Kate (or Katie) Harris, is broadly considered one of the most important designers for the London-based firm, William Hutton & Sons.
From 1899 to around 1905, she produced exquisite designs for artistic silver. Often featured in The Studio magazine, her work received much critical acclaim and is still admired by many collectors today.
The period between 1880 and 1914 offered fresh opportunities to women artists in terms of both training and employment, and there was a growing number of women artist-designers' names appearing in prominent art publications at the time.
An advocate of organic forms, executed with the finest material, sinuous botanical motifs dominate her work, serving both a decorative and structural purpose for the piece itself. Perhaps Harris’ best-known designs however, are those featuring a classically stylised figural form, typically austere in feeling and with fewer erotic overtones than Continental Art Nouveau counterparts. The skilled craftsmanship to bring these designs to life showcase the elegance and simple beauty that is so synonymous with Harris’ work.
However, while Harris may have been one of Hutton & Sons brightest talents, it was standard commercial practice for designs to be attributed to the firm itself, and not the individual designer. As a result, even successful artists like herself would remain largely anonymous and it became challenging, particularly for women, to forge a prosperous artistic career.
Little is known about Harris’ life and career outside of her time at Hutton & Sons. However, her accomplishments in silverware design at the firm continue to be recognised and are reflected in the high prices her work commands in the art market today.
Sinuous botanical motifs and enchanting organic forms dominate her work, serving both a decorative and structural purpose for the piece itself. Perhaps Harris’ best-known designs, however, are those featuring a classically stylised figural form, typically austere in feeling and with fewer erotic overtones than Continental Art Nouveau counterparts. The skilled craftsmanship needed to bring these designs to life showcases the sheer elegance and simple beauty that is now synonymous with Harris’ work.
