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Lot Essay
The present lot was almost certainly designed and executed by the architect and craftsman Henry Wilson (1864-1934). Beginning in 1903, Wilson carried out a three-year decoration project of the chapel and monument room at Wynyard Park, co. Durham. The project at Wynyard was just one of his many architectural schemes, which also included the redecoration of St Bartholomew's Church, Brighton (1898), the library at Welbeck Abbey (1889–96) and a bronze and silver pulpit for Ripon Cathedral (1913).
Wilson was a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. In his obituary, contemporary William Morris described Wilson's calm and intellectual approach to design and making. Wilson's training in architecture, sculpture and painting combined with a knowledge of metal-working, embodied the multi-disciplined approach to the Arts and Crafts movement. Together with C.R. Ashbee, Wilson applied the premise of the Arts & Crafts movement to liturgical silver, reigniting an interest in craftsmanship in church plate. His 1912 book, Silverwork and Jewellery, An Introduction to Students and Workers in Metal, is still popular with apprentices in the field today.
Wilson was a leading figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. In his obituary, contemporary William Morris described Wilson's calm and intellectual approach to design and making. Wilson's training in architecture, sculpture and painting combined with a knowledge of metal-working, embodied the multi-disciplined approach to the Arts and Crafts movement. Together with C.R. Ashbee, Wilson applied the premise of the Arts & Crafts movement to liturgical silver, reigniting an interest in craftsmanship in church plate. His 1912 book, Silverwork and Jewellery, An Introduction to Students and Workers in Metal, is still popular with apprentices in the field today.