About this lot
Description
Attributed to Charles Robert Ashbee, a Guild of Handicraft yellow metal pearl set enamel necklace in original fitted case, circa 1895, comprising a double row of trace link chain with push-in box snap, spaced with 8 graduating quatrefoil panels each as a stylised flower head enamelled in deep blue and set to the centre with a single baroque pearl in an enclosed claw setting, supporting a dropper section to match, nominally rectangular shaped similarly set with a single pearl and suspended from two short lengths of chain, this in turn supports a single pearl dropper, unmarked and unsignedCondition: In very good condition, noting one samll chip to the enamel on the right hand side (as you look at it) of the suspended pendant, the other light areas in the images are reflection. Literature: C R Ashbee: Architect, Designer & Romantic Socialist, Alan Crawford, publ Yale University Press, 1985, page 353, plate 177 Other Notes: Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942) founded the Guild and School of Handicraft in 1888. The Guild, operating as a co-operative, produced leather, furniture, silver and metalwork, jewellery and books - much of the work based on Ashbee's designs. The revival of traditional techniques, education of working people and encouraging satisfaction through work were key principles of the Arts and Craft movement and the Guild. In 1902, the Guild (150 people, the Guildsmen and their families) moved from East London to Chipping Campden. Ashbee believed that living a simple, collective life in rural surroundings would add to the health and well-being of the craftsmen and consequently, the work they produced. Although the work of the Guild was widely exhibited, increasing financial difficulties from 1905 eventually resulted in the voluntary liquidation of the Guild in 1908. The original design for this necklace is illustrated in a page from Guild’s first catalogue published in about 1895. It is described as a necklace of Blue Enamel set with Pearls This necklace also reflects the naturalistic themes developed by Ashbee with the pendant consisting of a single stone set between leaves or wings.
Back to lot listings