An imposing coupe in the Arts and Crafts style made by the famous firm of Liberty & Co.
A hammered bowl (lot number 600) on a high foot decorated with large cabochon cut Lapis Lazuli stones. It is marked with the master mark of Liberty & Co. city hallmark Birmingham and date letter 1919 and has a height of 29.5 cm and diameter 28 cm.
Most Arts and Crafts silversmiths were mainly known in their own country. The one who ensured that the English Modern Movement became well-known everywhere was Sir Arthur Lasenby Liberty (1843-1917). In 1875 he opened a shop in London, which grew into an iconic department store, known for its unique, often eclectic range of luxury products. As a good businessman, with a nose for future developments, he knew how to realize the ideals of the proponents of the Arts and Craft Movement in a commercially successful way.
The “Modern Movement” in architecture and design refers to a period of innovation and change that developed in the early 20th century. The movement emerged as a reaction to industrialization and the mass production of goods, with an emphasis on craftsmanship, aesthetics and the integration of art into everyday life. Key figures in the movement included William Morris and John Ruskin, who advocated a return to traditional craft techniques and an appreciation for the beauty of handmade work.
Liberty has a rich history of promoting British craftsmanship and design, which is also reflected in their selection of silver products. The store worked with some of the most prestigious silversmiths, such as Archibald Knox (1864-1933) and the famous workshop of the Birmingham School of Art. Birmingham was also home to the William H. Haseler factory, which launched the first Liberty silver in 1899. Although factory-made, it was given a finishing touch that emphasized the craftsmanship.
Knox is perhaps the best known silversmith who worked for Liberty in the Arts and Crafts movement and the Art Nouveau style. His work combined geometric shapes and natural elements and he liked to incorporate cabochon cut stones such as lapis lazuli into his designs. In the early years of Liberty & Co. many silversmiths from the Birmingham School of Art also designed for Liberty. This school was famous for its craft approach to silversmithing and design. Other names of silversmiths include Hugh Wallis, James E.H. Metcalf.
However, the main reason that attributing Liberty silver to a silversmith is not easy is that the designers for Liberty had to remain anonymous.
This coupe is a fine example of the Arts and Crafts movement and a beautiful Liberty & Co. luxury ornamental object.
Lit. Krekel-Aalberse, Modern Zilver 1880-1940, Meulenhoff/Landshoff 1989, blz 32.