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Lot Essay
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Judy Rudoe, Decorative Arts, 1850-1950, A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, British Museum Press, 1991
Rosemary Ransome Wallis, Treasures of the 20th Century; Silver, Jewellery and Art Medals from the 20th Century Collection of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, The Goldsmiths' Company 2000
This tea caddy is an exceptionally attractive example of George Henry Hart's work. Hart (1882-1973) was one of the later recruits to the Guild of Handicraft, before its liquidation in 1907, however with determination he took over the metal workshops and continued to operate under the Guild's name. It is at this point the hallmark changed, the G of H stamp loosing the Ltd. Hart's skills were noted by the architect and designer, Charles Ashbee, in his 1909 publication, Modern English Silverwork. By this stage, Hart had already up-rooted himself to Guild and joined the co-operative. Ashbee had founded the Guild of Handicraft in 1888. Orginally based in the East End of London, he lead the group of artisans from the drudgery and ills of the early 20th century mechanical society, out to the nostaligic honey-bricked village of Chipping Camden, where he hoped to build an utopean society, based on the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. Unfortunately, this dream was also the cause of its demise. The Guild was unable to compete with cheaper manufactured goods, such as those mass produced for Liberty & Co.
This teacaddy was crafted at a point when Hart was flourishing. Records of 1914 reveal that he employed three assistants in his pre-war workshop. This lot exhibits many qualities embodied in the ideals Arts and Crafts movement; using a simplicity of form, combined with intricate detail, as seen in the wirework borders, which demonstrate the technical skill of a craftsman together with a sense of design. Interestingly, the use of shagreen makes this a particularly contemporary piece.
During the onslaught of World War One Hart was forced to concentrate on farming, but by the 1920's he re-established himself as a silversmith, specialising in ecclesiastical and presentation ware. Hart's Guild of Handicraft is still in business today, on the original site at Silk Mill, Chipping Campden.
Judy Rudoe, Decorative Arts, 1850-1950, A Catalogue of the British Museum Collection, British Museum Press, 1991
Rosemary Ransome Wallis, Treasures of the 20th Century; Silver, Jewellery and Art Medals from the 20th Century Collection of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, The Goldsmiths' Company 2000
This tea caddy is an exceptionally attractive example of George Henry Hart's work. Hart (1882-1973) was one of the later recruits to the Guild of Handicraft, before its liquidation in 1907, however with determination he took over the metal workshops and continued to operate under the Guild's name. It is at this point the hallmark changed, the G of H stamp loosing the Ltd. Hart's skills were noted by the architect and designer, Charles Ashbee, in his 1909 publication, Modern English Silverwork. By this stage, Hart had already up-rooted himself to Guild and joined the co-operative. Ashbee had founded the Guild of Handicraft in 1888. Orginally based in the East End of London, he lead the group of artisans from the drudgery and ills of the early 20th century mechanical society, out to the nostaligic honey-bricked village of Chipping Camden, where he hoped to build an utopean society, based on the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement. Unfortunately, this dream was also the cause of its demise. The Guild was unable to compete with cheaper manufactured goods, such as those mass produced for Liberty & Co.
This teacaddy was crafted at a point when Hart was flourishing. Records of 1914 reveal that he employed three assistants in his pre-war workshop. This lot exhibits many qualities embodied in the ideals Arts and Crafts movement; using a simplicity of form, combined with intricate detail, as seen in the wirework borders, which demonstrate the technical skill of a craftsman together with a sense of design. Interestingly, the use of shagreen makes this a particularly contemporary piece.
During the onslaught of World War One Hart was forced to concentrate on farming, but by the 1920's he re-established himself as a silversmith, specialising in ecclesiastical and presentation ware. Hart's Guild of Handicraft is still in business today, on the original site at Silk Mill, Chipping Campden.