An Arts & Crafts opal bracelet, first quarter of the 20th century
£1,890
Auction: 23 October 2024 From 14:00 BST
Description
Designed as a graduated line of oval cabochon opals, each in a closed-back collet setting, spaced by elaborate figure of eight links, length 19.8cm, fitted case by the Tadema Gallery
Provenance
Purchased in approximately 2010 from the Tadema Gallery, London who attributed the bracelet to the Artificer Guild.
Footnote
The Artificer Guild was founded in Chiswick, London in 1901 by the metalsmith and enameller Nelson Dawson (1859-1942) and architect and goldsmith Edward Spencer (1873-1938). Following its acquisition in 1903 by Montagu Fordham, previously the director of the Birmingham Guild and School of Handicrafts, the guild was one of the most commercially successful of the Arts & Crafts guilds. The success of the guid saw it employ over 40 artisans at its peek, including offering apprentices to orphans.
The Goldsmiths' Company Library & Archive in London holds approximately 2,000 original design drawings of works made for the guild by its various designers.