Learn about antiques and collectables...
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Learn about and understand the items, manufacturers, designers and periods as well as the specialist terms used in describing antiques and collectables. Either click one of the letters below to list the items beginning with that letter, or click on a category on the left side of the screen to list the items under that category.
A/f, as Inspected
The letters "A/F" or "as inspected" as part of a description is the cataloguer's shorthand for "all faults" or "as found", meaning the item has some type of damage or deficiency, it is of uncertain date or provenance, and/or that the seller takes no responsibility for the completeness of the item or the accuracy of the description.
Aalto, Alvar
Alvar Aalto (1898 – 1976) was a Finish architect and designer.
His designs encompass His work includes architecture, furniture, textiles and glassware.
He developed numerous designs for moulded laminated timber (plywood) during the 1930s, including a revolutionary L-shaped leg that was used in much of his furniture.
The success of these designs enabled him and his wife Aino to found the furniture manufacturing company Artek in Helsinki in 1935.
Aalto glassware is manufactured by Iittala.
Aalto’s work, which was well received in Britain and America during the 1930s and ’40s, was produced by Finmar, a British subsidiary, and later by Artek-Pascoe in New York. Artek also began production in Sweden when exports from Finland to America were prohibited during World War II.
Aaron Scythe
Aaron Scythe is a New Zealand potter who is known for his hybrid of cultural influences. His work reflects both his New Zealand and M?ori heritage, as well as his time living in Japan.
Scythe was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1967. He first became interested in pottery at a young age, and got a job pouring slip into molds as a teenager. In 1988, he moved to Sydney, Australia to study ceramics at the East Sydney Tech Ceramic School. There, he was introduced to older Japanese and Korean pots, which had a profound impact on his work.
In 1993, Scythe moved to Japan to further his studies. He lived in Mashiko, a pottery town in Tochigi Prefecture, and studied under Koie Ryoji, a master potter. During this time, he developed his skills in wood-firing and glazes, and began to develop his own unique style.
Scythe returned to New Zealand in 2011, and lives and works in Whanganui. He has had over 60 solo exhibitions in Japan, and his work has also been shown in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. He is a recipient of the New Zealand Potters' Trust Purchase Award, and his work is held in private collections around the world.
In addition to his work as a potter, Scythe is also a teacher and lecturer. He has taught at the East Sydney Tech Ceramic School, the New Zealand School of Fine Arts, and the Whanganui School of Arts. He is also a regular workshop leader at art centres and festivals around New Zealand.
Aboriginal Artefacts
Aboriginal art and artefact collecting goes back to early first contact times. In fact local Aboriginals around Sydney use to trade artefacts with visiting ships from the earliest days.
Curio collecting has always been part of early exploration of the new world. Ceremonial adornment items that were made of perishable material were not preserved for future use and so early examples are very collectable. Early shields, clubs and boomerangs that were cherished as favourites and had developed a deep colour and patina are preferred.
Historical items that were collected by early notable pioneers, explorers or anthropologists are of high interest to collectors. Some areas are collected because the artistic expression makes them more appealing when displayed.
Production of artefacts has never ceased and are still made today for sale.
Some examples of collectable Aboriginal artefacts are:
- Boomerangs: A type of curved wooden tool used for hunting and warfare, as well as a recreational tool.
- Didgeridoos: A long wooden instrument used for music and ceremonies.
- Woomeras: A type of spear-throwing device that was used in hunting.
- Coolamons: A shallow wooden dish used for carrying food and water.
- Message sticks: A carved stick used as a communication tool between different Indigenous groups.
- Possum skin cloaks: A type of cloak made from possum fur that was worn for warmth and ceremonial purposes.
- Bark paintings: A type of art made from bark that is painted with traditional designs and stories. Bark painting production started in mass in the 1950's and were sold via missionary shops. The earlier barks are more sought after. Now with many of the early artists and their roll in the maintenance of culture recognized, these barks are seen as important expressions of a past lifestyle. refer to objects and artifacts that are created by Indigenous Australians, and are significant in their culture and history.
- Stone tools: A variety of stone tools were used by Indigenous Australians for various tasks such as hunting and preparing food.
Abraham-Louis Breguet
Breguet is a luxury watch and clock manufacturer that was founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1775. Breguet is considered one of the most important figures in the history of horology, and his watches and clocks are known for their technical excellence, innovative design, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Abraham-Louis Breguet was born in Neuchâtel, Switzerland in 1747 and began his career as a watchmaker in Paris. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented and innovative watchmakers of his time, and his watches were highly sought after by the French royal court, as well as by wealthy and influential individuals from all over Europe.
Breguet's most notable invention is the tourbillon, which is a mechanism that compensates for the effects of gravity on the balance wheel of a mechanical watch. This invention was patented in 1801 and it was the first of many innovations that Breguet would develop throughout his career. m-Louis Breguet
Breguet also developed other innovations such as the gong spring for the striking mechanism, the “pare-chute” shock protection system and the “sympathique” clock that could set a watch. He also introduced the “perpétuelle” self-winding mechanism, the first in the world.
After Breguet's death in 1823, the company continued to produce watches and clocks of the highest quality, and it remained in the Breguet family for several generations. Today, Breguet is a brand of the Swatch Group and it is still considered one of the most prestigious and respected watch manufacturers in the world, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and timeless design.
Many of the watches and clocks produced by Breguet are considered to be some of the most valuable and highly prized examples of horology.
Acanthus
A stylized leaf motif, one of the primary decorative elements of classical Greek and Roman architecture, derived from the genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Mediterranean area. It is a common element in classical Greek and Roman design, and is often seen in Corinthian and Composite order columns and used as a decorative element in English, European and Australian furniture, particularly on the curve of a leg, and as decoration for a corbel.
Achille Castiglioni
Achille Castiglioni (1918-2002) was an Italian industrial designer and architect. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential and important figures in Italian design of the 20th century. He was known for his innovative and functional designs, as well as his ability to blend modern technology with traditional craftsmanship.
Castiglioni studied at the Politecnico di Milano and began his career as an architect. However, he quickly became interested in industrial design and began working on a wide range of projects, from furniture and lighting to consumer electronics and household appliances.
One of his most famous designs is the Arco lamp, a floor lamp designed in 1962. It featured a marble base and an adjustable steel arch that held an adjustable light. It is considered a timeless and classic design that still in production today.
Throughout his career, Castiglioni won numerous awards and honors for his work, including the prestigious Compasso d'Oro award, which he received on several occasions. His work continues to be widely admired and his designs are considered to be some of the most iconic and enduring of the 20th century.
Acid Etched
Acid etching is often used on glass, metals, and stone to create decorative finishes or to prepare the surface for further treatment or coating. The process of acid etching involves applying an acidic solution, such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid, to the surface of the material and allowing it to react with the surface. The acid etches away a thin layer of the material, creating a rough, uneven finish. Acid etching can be used to create a variety of different finishes, from a subtle matte finish to a more pronounced, textured finish.
Ackermann, Rudolph
Rudolph Ackermann (1764 - 1834) was born in Saxony and is best known as a publisher of decorative coloured prints in London.
His early career demonstrated an entrepreneurial bent that was to lead to his success as a businessman in London.
At the age of 15 he was apprenticed to a saddler, and three years later moved to Dresden to train as a (horse-driven) carriage designer.
He later lived in Switzerland, France and Belgium for short periods, before moving to London in 1787.
He set up a successful business as a coach designer and decorator and in 1795 diversified his interest to include publishing and bookselling. His first decorative hand-coloured prints appeared in 1797. His output included political and social caricatures by leading artists of the day.
From 1809-1829 he published "Ackermann's Repository of Arts", an illustrated annual British periodical which covered arts, literature, commerce, manufactures, fashions, and politics, and had great influence on English taste in fashion, architecture, and literature.
His most ambitious venture was "The Microcosm of London". Which was completed in 1810 in collaboration with leading artists of the day, and contained 104 large folio hand-coloured aquatints.
In the following years he published further volumes, again working with artists such as William Pyne, established branches of his business in several Central and South American cities, and set up a publishing business for his son, also called Rudolph, one of his nine children in Regent Street, London. This business was taken over by Rudolph Junior's son Arthur, and was later renamed Arthur Ackermann Ltd. and was trading as fine art dealers until 2011.
His death in 1834 was preceded by a stroke in 1833 which left him partly paralysed.
Act of Parliament Clock / Tavern Clock
An "Act of Parliament Clock," also known as a "Tavern Clock," is a type of large wall clock that was popular in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. These clocks were named after the 1797 Act of Parliament that required all public houses in England to display a clock in a prominent location so that patrons could keep track of the time while they were drinking. Tavern clocks typically had large faces with easy-to-read numerals, and they were often made of wood or metal. Some tavern clocks also had striking mechanisms that sounded the hour or half-hour. These clocks were used not only in taverns, but also in other public buildings such as town halls and market places.
View further examples of Act of Parliament Clock / Tavern Clock
Adams Family of Potters
There were three potters with the name William Adams from different branches of the Adams family of potters working during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with some overlapping of production dates. The first was William Adams (1748-1831) of Brick House whose production was not prolific. The second William Adams (1772-1829), was born in Stoke-on-Trent and produced flow-blue ware for the United States market, and the business was continued by his son William (1798-1865). The third, from another branch of the Adams family was William Adams (1746-1805) who was born in Greengates, after reputedly working with Wedgwood. He founded the Greengates Pottery which specialised in the production of creamware and wares that imitated the Wedgwood dark blue jasper ware. On his death the business was taken by his son Benjamin. The pottery was closed in 1820 due to the ill-health of Benjamin. The busines was sold outside the family in 1826 but was repurchased by another branch of the Adams family in 1897. It was taken over by the Wedgwood group in 1966. Production of ceramics under the Adams brand ceased in 1998.
Adderleys Ltd.
Adderleys Ltd. pottery was opened at Longton, Staffordshire in 1906 producing china and earthenware. From c.1936 to 1988 Adderley operated 'Adderley Floral and Figurine China Co Ltd' , and in 1947 was taken over by Ridgway Potteries but continued production under the Adderley brand. In 1973 Ridgway Potteries and their subsidiary companies including Adderleys was acquired by the Royal Doulton Group.
Adelaide Potteries
Adelaide Potteries was established in 1921 by George Frederick Ball, who had previously worked for the Adelaide Tile Company. The company initially produced a range of decorative and functional wares, including vases, urns, and jugs. Their products were primarily made from red clay and were often decorated with bold, colourful glazes in Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles.
In the 1930s, the company expanded its range to include figurines, animal models, and other novelty items. They also began to produce sanitary ware, such as toilet bowls and wash basins, for use in homes and public buildings.
During World War II, Adelaide Potteries produced items for the war effort, including hand grenades and other munitions. After the war, the company resumed its production of decorative and functional pottery, introducing new designs and glazes.
In the 1960s, Adelaide Potteries faced competition from cheaper imported ceramics and struggled to remain profitable. In 1975, the company was sold to Pacific Ceramics, a larger pottery company based in Sydney, which continued to produce some of Adelaide Potteries' designs under its own brand. In 2000, Pacific Ceramics was acquired by the hospitality and leisure group, Event Hospitality and Entertainment, which continues to operate the brand today.
Examples of the company's work can be found in the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of South Australia.
Adie Brothers
Adie Brothers were a Birmingham-based silversmiths firm that was founded in 1879. The company was originally established by brothers Percy and Hubert Adie, and they quickly became known for their high-quality silverwork. In 1906, the Adie Brothers merged with the firm of McKewan & Adie, and the combined company became known as Adie Brothers Ltd.
Adie Brothers Ltd continued to produce high-quality silverwork throughout the 20th century. The company was particularly known for its vanity cases and mirrors, which were often decorated with guilloche enamel. Other wares included sterling silver teasets, condiment sets, cigarette cases, cigarette boxes, presentation cups, enamelled silver and deposit toiletware, gold cigarette cases and electro-plated ware.
The Adie Brothers firm ceased trading in the late 1960s. However, their work remains highly sought-after by collectors today. Adie Brothers silver is known for its exquisite craftsmanship and stunning designs, and it continues to be prized for its beauty and value.
Adolf Loos
Adolf Loos (1870-1933) was an Austrian architect and designer, who is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of modern architecture. Born in Brno, Moravia (now part of the Czech Republic), Loos began his career as an apprentice in a stonemason's workshop before studying architecture in Dresden, Germany.
After completing his studies, Loos worked in various architectural offices in Vienna, where he quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs and his rejection of the ornate and decorative style that was prevalent at the time. Loos believed that architecture should be functional and that excessive ornamentation was a waste of resources and a distraction from the building's purpose.
Adolf Loos was not only an architect but also a designer of furniture and lighting, and his work in these fields was just as innovative and influential as his architectural designs. Loos believed that design should be simple, functional, and free from excessive decoration, and this philosophy is evident in his furniture and lighting designs.
One of Loos's most famous furniture designs is the "Looshaus Chair" (1903), which is a classic example of his pared-down, minimalist style. The chair features a simple, rectangular wooden frame and a leather seat and backrest, and its clean lines and lack of ornamentation make it a timeless design.
He also designed a number of lighting fixtures, including the "Goldman and Salatsch Building Light Fixture" (1910), which is still produced today. The fixture consists of a simple brass or nickel-plated tube with a bulb at one end and a glass sphere at the other, and it was designed to be used in Loos's own building of the same name.
Loos died in Kalksburg, Austria in 1933.
Adolphe Mouron, (a. M. Cassandre)
Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron, known professionally as A. M. Cassandre, was born on January 24, 1901, in Kharkiv, Ukraine. He was the eldest son of French parents who had settled in Ukraine. Cassandre's father was an architect, and his mother was an artist. In 1915, the family moved back to Paris.
Cassandre attended the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and the Académie Julian. He began his career as a graphic designer and poster artist in the 1920s. In 1923, he founded the design agency Alliance Graphique with two friends. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative designs and became one of the leading figures of the Art Deco movement. His designs were characterized by their bold use of colour, geometric shapes, and the use of negative space. He was particularly skilled at using typography in his designs, often experimenting with new fonts and layouts. Some of his most famous posters include the Dubonnet, Normandie, and Nord Express posters.
In addition to his poster work, Cassandre also designed logos for companies such as Yves Saint Laurent and Perrier. He was also a prolific painter and created several important works in the Surrealist style. His career was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, and he moved to the United States in 1939. He continued to work as a graphic designer and painter and taught at the New York School of Visual Arts.
Cassandre returned to France in 1946 and continued to work as a designer until his death on June 17, 1968, in Paris.
Adrian Pearsall
Adrian Pearsall (1925 – 2011) was an American furniture designer known for his iconic mid-century modern designs during the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Trumansburg, New York in 1925, Pearsall was raised in an artistic family, and began his career in the furniture industry after serving in World War II.
He studied architectural engineering at the University of Illinois before opening his Pennsylvania furniture company, Craft Associates in 1952, and began designing and producing furniture that quickly gained popularity for its sleek, modern style. Pearsall's designs were characterized by their sculptural shapes and bold use of materials, including glass, brass, and exotic woods.
One of Pearsall's most famous designs is his "Gondola" sofa, which features a curved, asymmetrical shape that is both visually striking and comfortable to sit in; the "Cloud" sofa, the "Wave" chaise longue and the "Ribbon" table. Pearsall also designed a range of other furniture pieces, many of which are now considered iconic examples of mid-century modern design.
Throughout his career, Pearsall remained committed to creating high-quality furniture that was both stylish and functional. He passed away in 2011, but his designs continue to be sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of mid-century modern furniture.
Adrian Pearsall died on 6 September 2011 in Pennsylvania, United States.
Aesthetic Movement
The Aesthetic movement was a cultural movement that emerged in Britain in the 1860s. It was characterized by a focus on aesthetics and the creation of beautiful, harmonious, and refined works of art, design, and literature. The Aesthetic movement was a rebellion against what was seen as the materialism of the industrial age, highlighted by the Great Exhibition of 1851 and was influenced by a number of artistic and cultural trends, including the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Japanese art, and the writings of John Ruskin and William Morris. The movement was associated with a number of prominent figures, including the artists and designers James McNeill Whistler and Oscar Wilde, and it had a significant impact on the development of art, architecture, and design in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement spread to the United States and in turn influenced both the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements.
Affortunato Gory
Affortunato Gory (1895-1925) was an Italian and French sculptor who specialized in Art Deco figurative sculpture. He was born in Florence, Italy, and studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti under Augusto Rivalta. In the early 20th century, he moved to Paris and continued his studies under Victorien-Antoine Bastet. He exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français on multiple occasions, and his work is now held in museums and private collections around the world.
Gory's work is characterized by its elegant and graceful forms, often depicting young women and historical figures. He was also known for his use of mixed materials, such as bronze, ivory, and marble, to create stunning and visually appealing sculptures.
Gory's attention to detail and his sense of movement are also notable in his work. His sculptures often seem to be on the verge of coming alive, and they have a captivating quality that draws the viewer in.
Gory's untimely death in 1925 cut short a promising career, but his work continues to be admired by collectors and art lovers alike. His sculptures are a testament to his talent and skill as a sculptor, and they represent a significant contribution to the Art Deco movement.
Some of his notable works include Reclining Spring Allegory, La Danse, Bust of a Young Woman and La Femme au Serpent. His work can be found in the collections of Musée d'Orsay, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome and the Hermitage Museum.
Afl and Vfl Memorabilia
The collection of Australian Football League (AFL) and
Victorian Football League (VFL) memorabilia includes items related to the
history and culture of these two football leagues. This could include items
such as player jerseys, game-worn gear, signed footballs, match-day programs,
trading cards, photographs, posters, and other promotional materials.
The AFL is the national governing body for Australian rules
football in Australia and has a rich history dating back to 1897, while the VFL
was the premier state-level competition in Victoria before it merged with the
AFL in 1990. As such, a collection of AFL and VFL memorabilia would be highly
sought after by collectors, football enthusiasts, and historians alike, as it
would provide a valuable insight into the development and evolution of the
sport over time.
Some notable items that could be included in a collection of
AFL and VFL memorabilia could include the earliest known game-worn jerseys or
footballs, items related to famous players or coaches, or rare promotional
materials from specific games or events. Ultimately, the value of any such
collection would depend on the rarity and condition of the items included, as
well as their historical and cultural significance to the sport of Australian
rules football.
Agate
Agate is a type of semi-precious gemstone that is made up of silica dioxide, a mineral that is also found in quartz. It is known for its distinctive banded patterns, which are created as layers of silica are deposited in different colours including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It is often used in jewellery, decorative objects, and other decorative items, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. Agate is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States.
Aide Memoire
In the late 18th and 19th century, an aide memoire (French for "memory aid") was a notebook that recorded information that was important to the owner. The notebook was housed in a decorative case of silver, ivory, mother of pearl, lambskin, tortoise shell and other exotic materials. Sometimes the pages were of ivory so the notes could be erased and the pages reused. The aide-mémoire often included clips or chains that the owner could attach to their clothing or accessories.
Air Twist
An air twist is a decorative feature found on some types of glassware, including Georgian drinking glasses. It is created by twisting the glass while it is being blown, which creates a spiral pattern of ridges or rings around the stem of the glass. The air twist is typically made by a skilled glassblower using a hot glass rod to shape the glass. It is a decorative feature that adds visual interest to the glass. Georgian glassware is known for its high quality and intricate design, and the air twist is just one of the many decorative elements that may be found on Georgian drinking glasses.
Airzone
Airzone was founded in Sydney, Australia in 1925 by Claude Plowman and Edgar Sydney Wolfenden. They began by making crystal radios but soon moved onto developing valve radios. The company quickly grew, and after the introduction of tariff protection by the Commonwealth Government in 1930, Airzone and other radio manufacturers boosted production to make up for the declining number of imports from the United States.
Airzone relocated to Camperdown in 1931 to allow for greater production output and became known as Airzone Limited after floating on the Sydney Stock Exchange. During World War II, Airzone produced instruments for testing radar and electrical communications, assembled grenades, and made asdic equipment.
In 1946, Airzone was purchased by the Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company (EMMCO), which continued to produce radios under the Airzone name until the 1950s when transistorised sets became more common. EMAIL Limited, the parent company of EMMCO, was privatised and eventually taken over by Southcorp. Radio production for Airzone ended in 1955, and the company's divisions were split up and sold off.
Akoya Pearls
Akoya pearls are lustrous and are generally white or cream coloured with overtones of rose, silver, or cream. Although Akoya pearls may seem similar in appearance to Freshwater pearls, they are smoother and rounder. They are sourced from the Akoya oyster found off the coast of Japan and China, and are associated with Kokichi Mikimoto, founder of Mikimoto who created the world’s first cultured pearl in 1893.
Alabaster
Alabaster is soft natural stone used for statuary, with a similar appearance to marble, but easier to work with. As it is softer than marble, an item made from alabaster can be scratched with a metal object, and an alabaster item does not polish to a high surface gloss like marble.
Alabaster objects can be semi-translucent. Alabaster occurs in a pure white form and also with veining from dirt. Colours vary from white through yellow and pink to brown. The veining is usually green or black but can be multicoloured.
Being semi-translucent, alabaster is often used for the bowls of figural lamps, with the figure itself being either alabaster or marble.
Alan Caiger-Smith
Alan Caiger-Smith (1930 –2020) was a British ceramicist, studio potter and writer on pottery. He was one of the leading figures in the British studio pottery movement in the mid-20th century, and was particularly known for his work with lustreware.
He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, but his family moved to England when he was a child. He studied at the Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts and read history at King's College, Cambridge. After graduating from Cambridge, Caiger-Smith trained in pottery at the Central School of Art & Design under Dora Billington.
In 1955, Alan Caiger-Smith founded the Aldermaston Pottery in Berkshire, England. The pottery was a cooperative workshop of about seven potters making functional domestic ware and tiles, as well as individual commissions and one-off pots. Caiger-Smith was the leading figure at the pottery, and he developed a number of new techniques for producing lustreware. His work was highly influential, and he helped to revive the interest in lustreware in the mid-20th century. His work was exhibited in galleries all over the world, and he was awarded the MBE in 1988 for his services to pottery. He was also a prolific writer on pottery, and he published a number of books on the subject, including Lustre Pottery (1985), Tin-Glaze Pottery (1991) and The Making of Lustreware (2006).
Alan Caiger-Smith died in 2020 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as one of the leading British potters of the 20th century.
Alan Peascod
Alan Peascod is an Australian ceramicist who has gained international recognition for his innovative and highly expressive work. Peascod was born in 1947 in New South Wales, and he began his career as a potter in the early 1970s.
Peascod's work is known for its bold, dynamic forms and its use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns. His pieces often feature highly textured surfaces, which he achieves by layering different types of clay and experimenting with firing techniques.
Throughout his career, Peascod has been heavily influenced by Japanese ceramics and the works of the Mingei movement, which sought to elevate traditional craft techniques to the level of fine art. He has also been influenced by the work of mid-century modern designers such as Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, and his pieces often reflect a sense of playful experimentation and innovation.
Peascod's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. He has also received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to the field of ceramics, including the Australia Council Fellowship and the Gold Medal at the World Ceramics Biennale in South Korea.
Albany Pattern
The Albany pattern is a design of sterling silver cutlery (silverware) that was popular in the 19th century. It is characterized by a simple, elegant design with a plain handle and a pointed tip. The pattern is named after Albany, New York, where it was first produced by the firm of Rogers, Smith & Co. in the 1850s. The Albany pattern is considered a classic design and is still popular today. It is typically used for formal occasions and is often paired with fine china and crystal.
Alberello Pharmacy Jar
An Italian alberello pharmacy jar is a type of ceramic jar that is traditionally used in Italy for storing and displaying pharmaceutical products in pharmacies. It is typically made of terracotta and has a tall, narrow shape with a small opening at the top. The word "alberello" means "little tree" in Italian, and the jar is named for its tree-like shape. Alberello pharmacy jars are often used in Italy for storing and displaying a variety of different types of medications, including pills, powders, and ointments. They are prized for their attractive appearance and their ability to protect the contents from light and moisture, which can help to preserve the potency and effectiveness of the medications.
Albert Chain, Albertina Chain
An Albert chain, usually made of silver or gold, is a watch chain that was worn in the 19th century. It has a "T" bar on one end, which is used to attach the chain to a button hole in a waiscoat, while the other end is fitted with a swivel hook to attach the watch. There was usually a small length of chain joined to the end with the "T" bar, to which a fob, seal or a charm was attached. When the watch is placed in the waistcoat pocket, the looped chain and fob-end is visible. The links are often twisted to allow the chain to lie flat on the waist coat.
The "Albert" chain was supposedly named after a style of chain worn by Prince Albert, the prince Consort and husband of Queen Victoria.
The "double" Albert was a chain symetrically draped between both watch pockets on the waistcoat, with the T-bar and pendant chain in the middle. One end of the chain had the watch attached, and the other end of the chain may have had Vesta (match) case, cigar cutter or small pocket knife attached.
The Albert chain continued to be used for its intended purpose until the early 20th century when the pocket watch was superceded by the wristwatch, after which it became fashionable to wear the Albert chain as a necklace.
An Albertina chain is the name given to a watch chain worn by women. The chains were generally finer than the Albert chains, and often were multi-stranded.
Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse
Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse was a French sculptor and modeller who was born in 1824 in Anizy-le-Château, France, and began his artistic career as a porcelain modeller before studying sculpture under the famous French sculptor, Auguste Ramey. Carrier-Belleuse had a long and successful career as a sculptor, working in a variety of styles and mediums, including bronze, terra cotta and marble. He was well known for his sculptures of genre figures, animals, and mythological subjects, which were highly sought after during his lifetime. Carrier-Belleuse's work was exhibited at the Paris Salons, and he was awarded many medals and prizes for his sculptures. He was also a teacher, and his pupils included the famous French sculptor, Auguste Rodin. Carrier-Belleuse died in 1887 in Paris.
Albert Pattern
The Albert pattern is a decorative design that was popular on sterling silver cutlery in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is named after Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, who was known for his love of art and design. The Albert pattern features a series of scrolls that terminate in foliate motifs, that are etched or engraved into the surface of the silver. It is typically found on knives, forks, and spoons, and is often used in formal or special occasion settings.
Albumen Prints
Albumen is the material found in egg whites, and used to make meringues. However in 1850 the Frenchman Louis Desire Blanquart-Evrard invented a method creating a photographic image using egg whites as a binder, together with silver nitrate and other chemicals, and the albumen print was born.
The albumen print became the dominant photographic printing process for the next fifty years, until the technique was superceded by the introduction of Kodak's Brownie camera.
Characteristics of albumen prints are the surface gloss, a reddish brown or purple image tonings and sometimes a cracking of the albumen binder.
Ale Glass
A type of Georgian glass used for drinking beer. The first versions in use in the early 17th century had a short stem and a small conical bowl, but by the later 17th century the shape had evolved, with the vessel being taller and having a longer stem and a rounded conical bowl. The bowl was sometimes decorated with engravings of barley ears or hops.
Alessi
Alessi is an Italian design company founded in 1921 in Omegna, a small town in the Piedmont region of Italy, by Giovanni Alessi in Omegna, Italy. The company initially produced tableware items in nickel, chromium and silver-plated brass. In 1932, Carlo Alessi, Giovanni's eldest son, joined the family firm and began designing products. Under his direction, the company began to produce more original and creative designs.
In the 1950s, Alessi began to collaborate with external designers, including Achille Castiglioni, Ettore Sottsass, and Richard Sapper. These collaborations led to the creation of some of Alessi's most iconic products, such as the Juicy Salif lemon squeezer by Philippe Starck, the 9090 corkscrew by Aldo Rossi, and the Cornucopia vase by Alessandro Mendini.
The company remains family-owned and is now in its third generation of Alessi family leadership, with Alberto Alessi serving as the president.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that is prized for its unique ability to appear to change colour under different lighting conditions. It is a highly sought-after gemstone and is often used in fine jewellery. In natural light, alexandrite appears to be a shade of green, but when viewed under incandescent light, it appears to be a shade of red. This property, known as the alexandrite effect, is caused by the presence of trace amounts of chromium in the crystal structure of the gemstone. The colour change is due to the way that the gemstone absorbs and reflects light. Alexandrite is a relatively hard gemstone and is suitable for use in all types of jewellery, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is often used as a centre stone in engagement rings, due to its rarity and beauty. It is also used in other types of fine jewellery, such as brooches, necklaces, and cufflinks. The gemstone is typically cut into oval, pear, or cushion shapes and is usually set in gold or platinum.
Alf Svensson
Alf Svensson (1929-1992) was a Swedish furniture designer
who was active in the 1950s through the 1970s. He is best known for his sleek
and elegant designs, which often feature rich materials such as rosewood, teak,
and leather and is also known for his attention to detail and its high quality
construction.
Svensson was born in Malmö, Sweden, in 1929. He studied
architecture at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and after
graduating, he began working as a furniture designer. Svensson's early work was
influenced by the Scandinavian modern design movement, which was characterized
by its use of simple forms, natural materials, and clean lines.
In the 1950s, Svensson began to develop his own unique
style. His designs became more streamlined and sophisticated, and he began to
use more luxurious materials such as rosewood and teak. Svensson's work was
also influenced by the mid-century modern design movement, which was
characterized by its use of organic forms, bold colours, and new materials such
as plastic and fiberglass.
Alf Svensson's work was recognized by the design community,
and he became one of the most sought-after furniture designers in Sweden. His
work was exhibited in major design shows around the world, and he was featured
in leading design magazines such as Domus and Interiors. His most famous
designs include the Contour Lounge Chair (1950s); the Te-Ve Chair (1953); the Congo Easy Chair
(1954) and the High Back Reclining Lounge Chair (1957).
Alfred Boucher Sculptor
Alfred Boucher (1850-1934) was a French sculptor and teacher who was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for his skilful depictions of the human form, particularly his female figures, which often depicted women in naturalistic, relaxed poses.
Boucher studied sculpture under the French sculptor, Auguste Rodin, and later went on to become one of his most successful pupils. He was a prolific artist, creating many sculptures in bronze, marble, and terra cotta, as well as a number of medallions and reliefs.
Boucher was also an influential teacher, who taught many students in his own studio, among them, was the American sculptor, Malvina Hoffman. He became famous for his role as a teacher at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, and he also helped found the studio of the prestigious Académie de la Grande Chaumiere
His works are considered to be part of the Art nouveau and Beaux-Arts movements, are featured in many museums around the world.
Alfred Dunhill Ltd.
Alfred Dunhill, Ltd. is a British luxury goods company founded in 1893 by Alfred Dunhill. The company is known for its high-quality products, including tobacco, leather goods, luggage, pens, and watches. Alfred Dunhill was born in London in 1872. He was the son of a saddler, and he began his working life as an apprentice to a leather goods manufacturer. In 1893, he opened his own shop in London, selling motoring accessories. The shop was a success, and Dunhill soon expanded his range of products to include tobacco, leather goods, and luggage.
Dunhill was a pioneer in the field of tobacco, and he is credited with developing the first modern cigarette lighter. He also introduced a number of new tobacco blends, including the famous Dunhill Nightcap.
In the 1920s, Dunhill began to expand his business internationally, and he opened shops in New York, Paris, and other major cities. Over the years, Dunhill continued to diversify its offerings, adding luxury men's clothing, accessories, and fragrances to its repertoire. The brand became synonymous with sophisticated British style, catering to an affluent and discerning clientele. The company continued to grow in the following decades, and it became one of the leading luxury goods brands in the world.
In the latter part of the 20th century, Dunhill went through various ownership changes. In 1963, the company was acquired by the Swiss-based Richemont Group, a luxury goods conglomerate. Under Richemont's ownership, Dunhill expanded its international presence, opening flagship stores in major cities worldwide.
Alfred Gilbert
Alfred Gilbert was born in 1854 in London, into a working-class family. His father, who was a blacksmith, and his mother, recognized his artistic talent at a young age.
He studied sculpture at the Royal Academy Schools and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After spending several years in Rome, he returned to England in 1884 and quickly established himself as one of the leading sculptors of his day. He was commissioned to produce a number of important public works, including the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain in Piccadilly Circus, the tomb of Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, and the Alexandra Memorial in Hyde Park. He gained international recognition for his masterpiece, "Perseus Arming," which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1882. The sculpture showcased his ability to capture dynamic and emotional moments in his work.
Gilbert also designed decorative art objects, including jewellery and silverware, which were highly sought after by the elite of his time. His jewellery designs, especially the "Mors Janua Vitae" brooch, were exquisite examples of his craftsmanship.
Gilbert's work was often praised for its originality and beauty, but he was also a controversial figure. He was known for his perfectionism and his tendency to overspend, which led to him being declared bankrupt in 1901. He also had a difficult personal life, and his wife was institutionalised for mental illness. In 1909, Gilbert moved to Bruges, Belgium, where he lived in self-imposed exile for many years.
Despite his personal challenges, Gilbert continued to produce important works of art throughout his career. In 1926, he returned to England and completed the tomb of the Duke of Clarence, which is considered to be one of his masterpieces. He was knighted in 1932 and died in London in 1934. He is one of the most important British sculptors of all time.
Alfred Jackson
Alfred T. Jackson, (1843-1912) arrived as convict in Australia in 1866 and was later pardoned. He had a jewellery business in Geraldton W.A. and later in Albany. Examples of his work are held by the Western Australian Museum.
Alfredo Barbini
Alfredo Barbini (1912 - 2007) was a Italian master glassmaker. Born into a family who had been glassmakers for generations, he began in the trade in his early teens. After completing his apprenticeship and becoming a master glassblower, he worked for a number of the major Venetian glassworks, and in 1946 he became art director of Gino Cenedese & C. In 1950 he opened a glassworks in his own name which continued until his death in 2007.
Allan Border
Allan Border is a former Australian cricketer who played for the Australian national cricket team from 1978 to 1994. He was born on July 27, 1955, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Border was a left-handed batsman and a left-arm orthodox spinner. He was known for his gritty determination and his ability to hold the Australian batting order together during difficult situations. He was also an exceptional fielder, particularly in the slips.
Border made his debut for the Australian team in 1978 and quickly established himself as one of the team's key players. He went on to play 156 Test matches, scoring 11,174 runs at an average of 50.56, including 27 centuries and 63 half-centuries. His highest Test score was 205, which he scored against New Zealand in 1987.
In addition to his success in Test cricket, Border also played 273 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Australia, scoring 6,524 runs at an average of 30.62, including 6 centuries and 39 half-centuries. He was the captain of the Australian team from 1984 to 1994, leading the team to victory in the 1987 Cricket World Cup.
After retiring from cricket, Border became a commentator and coach. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 1996 and the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame in 2009. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in Australian history.
Allan Lowe
Allan James George Lowe was born in Collingwood, an inner suburb of Melbourne, Victoria in 1907. He originally trained as a painter, but in the late 1920s, he taught himself pottery, and in 1930 was employed as a potter at Hoffmans Brickworks in Brunswick.
He began making pottery full-time after World War II. from his home in Ferntree Gully in the Dandenong Ranges. His work combined Chinese forms with Aboriginal motifs. He is considered to be one of the first potters to have drawn sympathetically on Aboriginal colours, themes and motifs. Much of his work shows the elegant simplicity of oriental design. He made several trips to central Australia in the 1950s and 1960s to draw inspiration from the indigenous people there.
Allan Lowe was active in local arts societies including Ferntree Gully Arts Society and the Pottery Group of the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute and Arts Association. Allan Lowe and Klytie Pate were both awarded a Bronze medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics Art Festival, and, in 1979, Alan was made a Fellow of the Royal South Australian Society of Arts.
The Pottery Group of the Warrandyte Mechanics Institute and Arts Association was formed following a talk by Alan Lowe from the 1955. Allan and Klytie Pate were both awarded a Bronze medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics Art Festival, and, in 1979, Alan was made a Fellow of the Royal South Australian Society of Arts.
A retrospective of his work was held by the National Gallery of Victoria in 1979, the year he ceased work. Some of his work and his wife Peg’s work is held by Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum.
Allan died at the age of 93 in 2001.
Alphonse Van Beurden
Alphonse Van Beurden was a Belgian sculptor and ivory carver who was born in Antwerp on 23 April 1854. He died on 21 September 1938. Van Beurden studied at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Antwerp, where he was a pupil of Joseph Geefs and Eduard Dujardin. He was a highly skilled craftsman and worked in a variety of mediums, including marble, bronze, and ivory.
Van Beurden designed the caryatid and allegorical sculptures on the façade of the Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. In the United Kingdom, he is renowned for his ivory sculptures. Between 1887 and 1904 he exhibited thirteen times at the Royal Academy of Art.
He died on 21 September 1938.
Alvar Aalto
Alvar Aalto was born in Kuortane, Finland, in 1898. He studied architecture at the Helsinki University of Technology, graduating in 1921. After graduating, he worked in the offices of several architects before opening his own practice in 1923.
His early work was influenced by the International Style, but he soon developed his own unique style, which combined elements of functionalism and organicism.
Alvar Aalto's architecture is also characterized by its organic forms and its integration with nature. In the early years of his career, Aalto worked in Jyväskylä, Finland, and designed a number of buildings that showcased a blend of classical and modernist architectural elements. Aalto's breakthrough came with the Paimio Sanatorium (1932), a tuberculosis sanatorium in Finland. This project demonstrated his innovative use of materials, particularly in furniture design, as he developed the iconic Paimio Chair. Aalto gained international recognition with his design for the Finnish Pavilion at the 1939 New York World's Fair and the Villa Mairea (1937), which is considered one of his masterpieces. His most famous work is the Viipuri Library (now known as the Vyborg Library) in Vyborg, Russia, designed in 1935. This library showcases Aalto's innovative use of organic forms and natural materials.
Alvar Aalto's influence extended beyond architecture into furniture and glassware design, and he is known for creating timeless pieces like the Aalto Chair (also known as the "L-leg" chair), the Paimio Armchair and the Stool 60, His furniture designs are characterized by their simple, curvilinear forms. His glassware designs, such as the Aalto Vase and the Savoy Vase, are also notable for their organic shapes. While Alvar Aalto did contribute to glassware design, his reputation primarily rests on his architectural and furniture designs.
He received numerous awards and honors during his lifetime, including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Gold Medal in 1957 and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Gold Medal in 1963. The Alvar Aalto Museum in Jyväskylä, Finland, is dedicated to preserving his legacy and showcasing his contributions to design.
In addition to architecture and design, Aalto was also a painter and sculptor. He was a member of the Finnish Academy of Fine Arts and was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1967. He died in Helsinki in 1976.
Amalgamated Wireless Australia (awa)
Amalgamated Wireless Australia (AWA) was a leading Australian electronics company that played a key role in the development of wireless communication and broadcasting in Australia and around the world.
AWA was founded in Sydney in 1909 by a group of investors led by Ernest Fisk, who had previously worked with Marconi in England. The company's initial focus was on developing wireless communication technology for ships and coastal stations.
In the 1920s, AWA expanded into radio broadcasting, establishing a number of radio stations across Australia, including 2UW in Sydney and 3AK in Melbourne. The company also produced a range of radio receivers and other consumer electronics.
During World War II, AWA played a crucial role in the war effort, producing a variety of military communications and radar equipment, as well as pioneering the development of microwave technology.
In the post-war period, AWA continued to innovate and expand, developing new technologies such as television broadcasting and transistor radios. The company also established a strong presence in Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Indonesia.
In the 1970s, AWA faced increasing competition from international electronics companies, and began to diversify into other areas such as defence electronics and aviation. However, the company struggled financially, and was eventually acquired by the multinational electronics conglomerate Philips in 1985.
Philips continued to operate the AWA brand in Australia, but gradually phased out its operations over the following decades. The AWA brand is no longer in use, but the company's legacy lives on in the form of the many contributions it made to the development of wireless communication and broadcasting technology in Australia and beyond.
View further examples of Amalgamated Wireless Australia (awa)
Amaranth / Purpleheart / Palisander
Amaranth, also called "purpleheart" and palisander is a hardwood obtained flowering plants in tropical regions of Central and South America, where they grow in rainforests. When the trees are cut, the timber turns from a dark brown to a rich purple colour. It is mainly used for veneering and decorative features on furniture, and is extremely dense when dry.
View further examples of Amaranth / Purpleheart / Palisander
Amber
More frequently used to refer to the colour, than the material from which the word is derived, amber is the fossilized resin from ancient forests. It is not produced from tree sap, but rather from plant resin. The resin is aromatic, and can drip from and ooze down trees. In colour, it may be a deep honey colour, (amber), brown, or white. As it oozes out it fills internal fissures in the tree, trapping debris such as seeds, leaves, feathers and insects. The debris trapped within the amber can assist in dating the deposit.
In its natural state it is found in rocks, on the sea floor (from where it may be washed up to the shore) and mined, using both open cut and underground techniques. About 90% of the world's amber comes from Russia. Amber has recently been discovered at Cape York in Northern Australia
Amber is often incorporated in jewellery, and used in pipe stems. The shine on the surface of amber becomes even more intense when it is worn and used regularly. Genuine amber, when rubbed, will release a slightly musky scent.
Amberina Glass
Amberina glass is a type of art glass that is known for its distinctive two-tone colouration. It is typically made from a mixture of amber and red glass and appears to be orange at the top and red at the bottom. The colour change is achieved by using different amounts of gold in the glass mixture at different points in the manufacturing process. Amberina glass was first developed in the late 19th century by the New England Glass Company, and was later manufactured by other American and European glass manufacturers. It was popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was used to make a variety of decorative objects, including vases, bowls, and figurines.
Amboyna
Amboyna is a tree native to Indonesia (named after the Indonesian island of Ambon) and South East Asia, and when harvested the timber has a fragrant rose-like scent, and is of a rich brown colour, usually harvested from the burl of the tree with "birds-eye" markings . In furniture is is usually veneered and used for decorative effects on top quality pieces.
Ambrotype
An early type of photograph made by imaging a negative on glass backed by a dark surface such as paper or black varnish. The process was only in use for about 10 years from 1855 to 1865.
Amphora
An ancient form of storage jar and one of the principal vessel shapes in Greek pottery, an amphora is a two-handled pot with a neck narrower than the body. In ancient times they were used as storage and transport vessels for olives, cereal, oil, and wine. The shape has continued to be used in ceramics to the present time.
Amphora Porcelain
Bohemian Amphora porcelain is a type of decorative pottery that was produced in the Turn-Teplitz region of Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) between 1894 and 1904. The pottery was produced by the Riessner, Stellmacher & Kessel (RSK) company, which was founded in 1892 by Eduard Stellmacher and his two sons-in-law, Alfred and Julius Riessner and other potteries in the region.
RSK quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, hand-crafted pottery with intricate designs and vivid colors. The company's Amphora line, introduced in 1894, featured naturalistic motifs, such as flowers, animals, and insects, and was characterized by its use of vibrant glazes and intricate detailing.
The Amphora line quickly became popular throughout Europe, and RSK exhibited its products at a number of international expositions, including the 1900 Paris World's Fair. The pottery was praised for its innovative designs and high level of craftsmanship, and it was known for its distinctive shape, which resembled ancient Greek and Roman amphorae.
The Bohemian Amphora porcelain was also notable for its use of mixed-media techniques, such as combining pottery with metalwork and glass. This approach resulted in some of RSK's most distinctive and sought-after pieces.
RSK continued to produce Amphora pottery until 1904, when the company was dissolved. While production of the pottery ceased at that time, Bohemian Amphora porcelain remains highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts, and it is considered a classic example of the Art Nouveau style that was popular in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Amulet
Often inscribed with a magic incantation or symbol, an amulet is an object worn as a charm to protect the wearer from an evil, such as disease or witchcraft.
Anchor Escapement
An anchor escapement is a type of mechanical escapement used in clocks and watches. It is a refinement of the older verge escapement, which was used in early mechanical timekeeping devices. The anchor escapement is characterised by the use of an anchor-shaped pallet that rocks back and forth, alternately locking and releasing the escape wheel. This action allows the movement of the watch or clock to be regulated, producing the characteristic tick-tock sound that is associated with mechanical timekeeping devices. The anchor escapement is generally more accurate and reliable than the verge escapement, and it is still used in many modern clocks and watches today.
Anders Ousback
Anders Ousback was an accomplished Australian potter and chef known for his creative talents in both the culinary and ceramic arts. He was born in 1951 in Australia and displayed an early passion for the arts, particularly pottery and cooking. He pursued his interests through formal education and training, developing his skills in both fields.
Anders Ousback's culinary career was marked by his innovative and artistic approach to food. He became well-known for his expertise in creating visually stunning and delectable dishes. His culinary style often combined elements of fine dining with a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
He was involved in makeovers of The Summit, The Wharf at Walsh Bay, Bennelong at the Opera House, Hyde Park Barracks, The Clock Hotel in Surry Hills, the Cafe at the Art Gallery of NSW, and Dov in East Sydney. He was a partner in the Margaret Fulton Kitchen stores, offering complete meals to be taken home and heated up.
In addition to his culinary pursuits, Anders Ousback was a talented potter. He crafted pottery and ceramics that were characterized by their unique designs and artistic flair. His work often showcased his creativity and ability to blend form and function in his pottery pieces.His pots were bought by the Powerhouse Museum and the National Gallery in Canberra.
Unfortunately, Anders Ousback passed away in 2004. He was not only a practitioner of his crafts but also a dedicated teacher and shared his knowledge and passion with others by conducting workshops and classes in both pottery and culinary arts. His teaching endeavours helped inspire and educate aspiring artists and chefs.
Andirons
Andirons are another name for fire dogs or chenets. They are metal supports for logs in the fireplace, usually with two feet at the front and one at the back. They hold the wood above the hearth level allowing the air to pass around it to facilitate burning. Until the beginning of the 15th century they were made of wrought iron, and after this date were made in cast iron or steel, often with decorative brass embellishments.
Andor Meszaros
Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1900, Andor Meszaros worked studied extensively Vienna, Paris and Budapest prior to his arrival in Australia in 1939. A sculptor who specialised in medallions, over more than 30 years, he created hundreds of art medals depicting the leading Australians to who contributed to the scientific, medical and artistic fields. He also created some larger sculptures including three works for the King George V Memorial Hospital for Mothers and Babies in Sydney and a silver alter-piece for Canterbury Cathedral in England. He was President of the Victorian Sculptors Society in 1955-56 and 1962. <p>He died in 1972.
Andre Delatte
André Delatte was a notable French glass designer known for his work during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. André Delatte was born around 1887 in the Lorraine region of France, which is historically known for its rich tradition of glassmaking. He was associated with the famous Daum glassworks in Nancy, France, and later established his own glass studio. Delatte was highly skilled in various glassmaking techniques, including cameo glass, which involves carving through layers of colored glass to create intricate designs. He was particularly known for his use of vibrant and iridescent colours in his glasswork.
During the Art Nouveau period, Delatte's designs often featured nature-inspired motifs such as flowers, foliage, and insects, which were characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. His work also displayed a mastery of intricate glass etching and carving techniques. In addition to his artistic contributions, André Delatte's work had commercial success. His glass pieces were highly sought after and collected, both during his lifetime and in subsequent years. His creations can be found in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world.
André Delatte continued his glass design and production throughout his career. He passed away in 1953, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional glasswork that continues to be appreciated by art and glass enthusiasts. Today, André Delatte's pieces are considered valuable and significant examples of Art Nouveau and Art Deco glass design. His work remains an important part of the history of French glassmaking.
Andre Dubreuil
André Dubreuil was born in 1951 in Lyon, France, and was educated in London at the Inchbald School of Design. He is a leading designer of furniture and decorative arts, best known for the 'Spine chair', designed in 1986. As well as chairs, his furniture designs include cabinets, desks and tables. His porcelain designs include functional items such as vases and candle holders as well as purely decorative items. He has travelled extensively to various nations, observing the craft and design products of different cultures and exhibited his designs and works in major international cities.
Andrew Barton "banjo" Paterson
Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson, CBE (1864 - 1941) was an Australian bush poet, journalist and author. He wrote many ballads and poems about Australian life, focusing particularly on the rural and outback areas, including the district around Binalong, New South Wales, where he spent much of his childhood. Paterson's more notable poems include "Clancy of the Overflow" (1889), "The Man from Snowy River" (1890) and "Waltzing Matilda" (1895), regarded widely as Australia's unofficial national anthem.
Paterson was born at the property "Narrambla", near Orange, New South Wales, the eldest son of Andrew Bogle Paterson, a Scottish immigrant from Lanarkshire, and Australian-born Rose Isabella Barton, related to the future first Prime Minister of Australia Edmund Barton. Paterson's family lived on the isolated Buckinbah Station near Yeoval NSW until he was five when his father lost his wool clip in a flood and was forced to sell up. When Paterson's uncle John Paterson died, his family took over John Paterson's farm in Illalong, near Yass, close to the main route between Melbourne and Sydney.
Paterson attended Sydney Grammar School from 1874 to 1880, where he excelled at academics and sports. After graduating from school, he studied law at the University of Sydney, and was admitted to the bar in 1886. However, he soon abandoned his legal career to pursue a career in journalism.
In 1885, Paterson began writing poems for the Bulletin, a popular Australian magazine. His poems were quickly popular with readers, and he soon became one of the most popular poets in Australia. In 1895, he published his first collection of poems, The Man from Snowy River and Other Verses, which was a huge success.
In addition to his poetry, Paterson also wrote a number of novels, short stories and articles. He also worked as a war correspondent during the Boer War and World War I.
Paterson is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential Australian poets. His poems have captured the spirit of Australian life and culture, and they continue to be popular with readers today. His work has been translated into many languages, and his poems have been set to music by many Australian composers.
He died in Sydney in 1941 at the age of 76.
Andrew Grima
Andrew Grima was born in Rome in 1921 to Italian-Maltese parents. He moved to London with his family when he was five years old. After graduating from high school, he studied mechanical engineering at the University of Nottingham.
After the war, Grima joined his father-in-law's jewellery manufacturing business, H.J. Company, in London. He quickly became interested in jewellery design, and he began experimenting with new materials and techniques. His early designs were inspired by the organic forms of nature, and he often used unconventional materials such as bone, ivory, and wood.
In the 1960s, Grima's work began to gain international attention. He was awarded the Duke of Edinburgh's Prize for Elegant Design in 1965, and he won the De Beers Diamonds International Award a record 11 times. His jewellery was featured in exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Grima's jewellery is characterized by its bold, geometric shapes and its use of high-quality materials. He often combined different materials in unexpected ways, and he was not afraid to use unconventional colours. His jewellery was often described as "modern" and "avant-garde," but it also had a timeless quality.
Grima's work had a major impact on the development of modern jewellery design. He was one of the first jewellers to use unconventional materials and techniques, and he helped to redefine the boundaries of what jewellery could be. His jewellery is considered to be some of the most important jewellery of the 20th century.
Grima died in 2007 at the age of 85. His work is exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.
Andrew Lenehan
Andrew Lenehan was an Australian colonial furniture maker who was active in Sydney in the mid-19th century. He was born in Ireland in 1815 and arrived in Sydney aged 20 in 1835 with James Templeton, a Dublin cabinet maker. In 1841 Lenehan acquired Templton’s cabinet making business in Castlereagh St and traded as an upholsterer, cabinetmaker, appraiser and undertaker.
From 1841 to his retirement some 30 years later Lenehan conducted his cabinet making businesses from a number of Sydney premises including Castlereagh St, Pitt St and Bridge Street. employing an extensive range of skilled craftsmen. In the 1850s during the gold rush Lenehan produced boxes made from native timbers to contain gold samples which were presented to Queen Victoria.
Between 1850-1852 Lenehan served as a Sydney City Councillor. Andrew Lenehan was also commissioned to re-furbish Government House, Sydney and the chairs, tables sideboards, dumb waiters and side tables are still in use there today. The majority of Lenehan’s pieces were constructed of Australian red cedar throughout and cover the full range of household furnishings. Several pieces bearing his much rarer impressed ‘A.Lenehan’ mark contain other timber species both native and exotic.
Andrew Lenehan retired in 1875 and passed away in 1886.
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol was an American artist, film director, and producer who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as Pop art. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928 and died in New York City in 1987.
Warhol's work often depicted everyday objects and people from popular culture, such as Campbell's Soup cans, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley. He used a variety of techniques in his work, including silkscreen printing, photography, and film. Warhol's art was often controversial, but it also made him one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century. He is considered to be one of the founders of Pop art, and his work has had a profound impact on the art world.
Warhol's art is often described as being "flat" and "graphic", and his ceramic pieces are no exception. They have a simple, utilitarian design that is reminiscent of mass-produced objects. However, Warhol's use of bright colors and bold patterns gives his ceramic pieces a unique and distinctive look.
Warhol produced a limited number of ceramic pieces, but he did create some iconic items in this medium. His "Flowers" series, which features brightly colored flowers made from porcelain, is one of his most famous ceramic works. He also created a series of vases decorated with Campbell's Soup cans and Marilyn Monroe portraits. Warhol's ceramic pieces are not as well-known as his art, but they are still an important part of his artistic legacy. They demonstrate his willingness to experiment with new materials and techniques, and they show his interest in the everyday objects of popular culture.
Aneroid Barometer
An aneroid barometer is a type of barometer that measures atmospheric pressure using a small, flexible metal container called an aneroid cell, rather than using a fluid such as mercury. The aneroid cell is sealed and partially evacuated of air, so that a change in atmospheric pressure will cause it to expand or contract. This expansion or contraction is transmitted through a series of mechanical linkages to a pointer that moves on a calibrated scale, indicating the atmospheric pressure. Aneroid barometers became popular from the late 19th century, and are commonly used in weather forecasting, as changes in atmospheric pressure can indicate the approach of a storm or other weather system. They are also used in aviation and other applications where it is important to monitor changes in atmospheric pressure.
Angela Cummings
Angela Cummings, born in Klagenfurt, Austria in 1944, began her journey in the world of jewellery design before establishing herself as an iconic figure. She moved to America at the age of three when her family relocated in 1947. Her artistic pursuits led her to Italy for art studies and Germany for jewellery craftsmanship, culminating in a degree in goldsmithing and gemmology.
Upon settling in New York, Cummings joined Tiffany & Co. in 1968. After years of honing her craft, she unveiled her first comprehensive collection bearing her own name in 1975. Her tenure at Tiffany lasted until 1984, during which she crafted a plethora of exquisite jewellery pieces, predominantly in lustrous yellow gold. Her signature style involved intricate inlays of materials like lapis lazuli, jade, mother of pearl, coral, wood, and opal. The natural world, particularly marine life, plants, and animals, served as a wellspring of inspiration for her designs. A standout creation, the gold Rose Petal necklace and earring ensemble, captured this organic essence.
Departing Tiffany in 1984, Cummings emerged as one of the esteemed few named jewellery designers affiliated with the brand, sharing the ranks with luminaries like Paloma Picasso, Jean Schlumberger, and Elsa Peretti. That same year, she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey alongside her husband, a fellow gemmologist with ties to Tiffany. Their venture embraced a diverse array of materials, with silver taking a prominent role. From tableware to accessories, Cummings' range expanded.
The inauguration of the 'Angela Cummings Fine Jewellery Boutique' at Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue heralded her boutique success. Soon, her boutiques found homes in Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Early collections showcased a rich tapestry of materials, from black opals and South Sea pearls to black jade and diamonds. Nature's motifs and meticulous inlay work interwove with a harmonious blend of gold and silver.
With a flourishing business, Cummings expanded her boutiques in the US and Japan. After retiring in 2003 and closing her business, she was lured back into the jewellery realm a decade later to collaborate with pearl specialists Assael, creating yet another remarkable collection. Angela Cummings' legacy endures as a testament to her unparalleled artistry and innovative spirit in the realm of jewellery design.
Angell Family of Silversmiths
There were a number of members of the Angell family who were silversmiths, commencing with Joseph Angell I (also expressed as Joseph Angell, Senior), and his brothers John Angell and Abraham Angell.
On the retirement of Joseph Angell I in 1948, from what had become the leading London silverware workshop, the business was taken over by his son, Joseph Angell II (also expressed as Joseph Angell, Junior), (1815 - 1891).
Joseph Angell II exhibited at the at the 1851 Great Exhibition, the 1853 New York Exhibition, and the 1862 International Exhibition winning medals at each event.
His career is marked by the rich silver items crafted and decorated with chiseling, reliefs and enamels, including trays, tea and coffee sets, jugs, centrepieces and vases
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London holds a number of silver objects by Jospeh Angell II.
Angell Family, 19th Century British Silversmiths
The Angell family was a dynasty of British silversmiths who were active in the 19th century. The family business was founded by Joseph Angell (senior) in 1811, and it continued to operate until the late 1880s. The Angells were known for their high-quality silverwork, and they produced a wide range of items, including tableware, jewelry, and decorative objects.
The Angell family was originally from the town of Nantwich in Cheshire. Joseph Angell (senior) was apprenticed to a silversmith in London in 1796, and he obtained his freedom in 1804. He then set up his own business in Clerkenwell, a district of London that was known for its silversmithing industry.
Joseph Angell (senior) was joined in the business by his brother John Angell in 1811. The two brothers worked together to build the business into one of the leading silversmithing firms in London. They produced a wide range of silverwork, including tableware, jewelry, and decorative objects. Their work was known for its high quality and its stylish design.
The Angell family business continued to grow and prosper in the 19th century. In 1840, Joseph Angell (senior) was granted a Royal Warrant, which meant that he was officially appointed to supply silver to the Royal Household. The Angells continued to produce high-quality silverwork throughout the 19th century, and they won numerous awards for their work.
The Angell family business came to an end in the late 1880s. Joseph Angell (senior) died in 1884, and his son George Angell died in 1888. The business was then taken over by George Frederick Courthope, who continued to trade under the style of George Angell until 1889.
The Angell family was one of the most important silversmithing families in 19th century Britain. Their work is still highly prized today, and it is considered to be some of the finest silverwork ever produced.
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Anglo-Indian
Used to describe furniture and objects made in India from the 18th century onwards by Indian cabinetmakers using local timbers and accessories, for the colonial British market and wealthy locals, that was a fusion of the styles and techniques of the two cultures.
Teak, camphor wood, padouk, coromandel and ebony were common timbers, and the furniture was sometimes inlaid with ivory or bone, and usually extensively carved with Indian themes including elephants and intricate foliate designs.
Similar furniture was made in other colonies such as Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Kashmir.
Angus & Coote
Angus & Coote is one of Australia's oldest and most well-known jewellery retailers. The company was founded in 1895 by Scottish immigrant, Augustus Adolphus Angus and his wife, Florence Coote, in Sydney, Australia.
Initially, the business focused on watch repairs, but over time it expanded into the sale of jewellery and silver. The company's first retail store was opened in Sydney's Pitt Street Mall in 1917, and over the years, Angus & Coote continued to expand, opening stores in shopping centres throughout Australia.
Throughout its history, Angus & Coote has been known for its quality jewellery and customer service. The company has won numerous awards for its designs and craftsmanship, and has been a favourite among Australian shoppers for generations.
Angus & Coote is now part of New Zealand company James Pascoe Group which also own Australian jewellers Prouds the Jewellers, and Goldmark, with over 460 stores across Australia as of 2012. Goldmark is the only brand operating in both countries.
Annamese Ceramics
Annamese ceramics refer to pottery and other ceramics that were produced in what is now Vietnam during the Annamese period, which lasted from the 10th to the 19th centuries. Annamese ceramics have a long history, dating back to the Neolithic period. During the Champa Kingdom (4th to 15th centuries), ceramic production was centered in the city of Qu?ng Nam, and potters created intricately decorated earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. The ceramics were known for their bright colors, elaborate designs, and high quality. During the 15th to 17th centuries, Annamese ceramics were exported to other countries in Southeast Asia, as well as to Europe, where they were highly prized. During the Le dynasty (17th to 19th centuries), Annamese ceramics became more ornate and sophisticated, with blue and white porcelain being the most popular style. Today, Annamese ceramics are still being produced and are widely collected, both in Vietnam and internationally. They were highly prized in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia
Anne Gordon
Anne Gordon (1924-2007) was a Scottish artist and potter. She was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1924. She studied art at the Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. After graduating, she worked as a designer for Wedgwood and then as a freelance artist and potter.
Gordon's pottery was known for its realistic and often humorous depictions of animals, birds, and fruits. She also created a number of abstract and figurative sculptures. Her work is held in many public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh.
Gordon was a member of the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy of Arts. She was also a recipient of the Saltire Society Award for Ceramics. She died in 2007 at the age of 82.
Anneke Borren
Anneke Borren (born 1946) is a New Zealand ceramic artist. She is known for her work in stoneware and porcelain, which is often decorated with abstract patterns and designs. She was born in the Netherlands in 1946 and studied ceramics at the Ilam School of Fine Arts in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 1966 to 1969. After graduating, she worked as a potter in the Netherlands and Sweden. In 1971, she returned to New Zealand and established a studio in Paraparaumu, north of Wellington.
Borren's work is characterized by its bold use of colour and its geometric patterns. She often uses a variety of techniques, including hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing, to create her pieces. Her work is often inspired by nature, and she often incorporates elements of the natural world, such as leaves, flowers, and animals, into her designs.
Borren has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions in New Zealand and overseas. Her work is held in public and private collections, including the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, and the Sarjeant Gallery Te Awamutu.
Borren is a recipient of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award in Visual Arts (2006) and the Queen's Service Medal for Community Service (2010). She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and a member of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts.
In addition to her work as a ceramic artist, Borren has also taught ceramics at the Ilam School of Fine Arts and at Whitirea Polytechnic. She is a passionate advocate for the arts, and she has served on the boards of a number of arts organizations.
Ansett/ansett-Ana Australian National Airways
Ansett was an Australian airline that was founded in 1936 by Reginald Ansett. Originally called Ansett Airways, the airline began as a regional carrier operating services between Melbourne and Hamilton in Victoria.
In 1946, Ansett Airways merged with Australian National Airways (ANA) to become Ansett-ANA. The merger created Australia's second-largest airline, with a network that covered much of the country.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Ansett-ANA continued to expand its network and fleet, with new services to New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. In 1957, the airline introduced its first jet aircraft, the Vickers Viscount, and in 1964 it became the first Australian airline to operate a Boeing 727.
In 1968, Reginald Ansett bought out ANA's share of the company and renamed it Ansett Airlines of Australia. Under Ansett's leadership, the airline continued to grow, with a network that extended to Asia and the Middle East.
However, by the 1980s, the airline was facing financial difficulties, and in 1986 it was sold to media magnate Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Murdoch renamed the airline to Ansett Australia, and invested heavily in new aircraft and facilities.
In 2001, Ansett Australia was placed into voluntary administration due to financial difficulties. The airline was subsequently grounded, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and causing significant disruption to the Australian aviation industry. Ansett was eventually liquidated, and its assets were sold off to pay creditors.
Ansett is remembered as one of Australia's most iconic airlines, with a legacy that spans more than 60 years. The airline played a significant role in shaping the Australian aviation industry, and its demise was a significant event in the country's history.
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Ansonia
The Ansonia Clock Company was an American clock manufacturer that was founded in 1851 in Ansonia, Connecticut. It was originally known as the Ansonia Brass and Copper Company and began as a brass and copper manufacturer. However, in 1854, the company decided to expand its operations into clock making.
Under the leadership of its founder, Anson Greene Phelps, the Ansonia Clock Company quickly became one of the largest clock manufacturers in the United States. The company produced a wide range of clocks, from cheap and simple models to expensive and ornate ones.
The peak production years for the Ansonia Clock Company were in the late 1800s and early 1900s. During this time, the company was one of the largest clock manufacturers in the world, producing a wide range of clocks for both domestic and international markets.
In the 1880s, the Ansonia Clock Company was producing over one million clocks per year, making it one of the largest clock manufacturers in the United States. The company's clocks were sold in department stores, jewellery stores, and other retailers throughout the country, and the company's advertising campaigns were widely recognized and influential.
The Ansonia Clock Company produced a wide range of clock, but there were a few models that were particularly popular and remain highly sought after:
- Ansonia Crystal Palace Clock - This was one of the most famous clocks produced by the Ansonia Clock Company. It was named after the famous Crystal Palace in London, which was built for the Great Exhibition of 1851. The clock was a large, ornate model that featured a glass dome over the clock face, which allowed viewers to see the intricate inner workings of the clock.
- Ansonia Swing Clock - This clock was a unique model that hung from a single point, allowing it to swing back and forth like a pendulum. It was designed to be mounted on a wall and was often used in public spaces such as train stations and offices.
- Ansonia La Normandie Clock - This clock was designed to commemorate the maiden voyage of the French ocean liner La Normandie in 1935. It was a large, ornate clock that featured a bronze sculpture of the ship on top of the clock case.
- Ansonia Regulator Clock - This was a simple, yet elegant model that was popular in homes and offices. It featured a long, narrow case with a glass door that allowed viewers to see the pendulum inside. It was often used as a timekeeper in schools and other institutions.
- Ansonia Statue Clocks - These were a series of clocks that featured ornate bronze statues on top of the clock case. The statues depicted various themes such as classical figures, animals, and mythological creatures. These clocks were highly prized for their artistic value and continue to be sought after by collectors today.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Ansonia Clock Company left an indelible mark on the clock making industry.
Anthemion
Anton Michelsen
Anton Michelsen (1809-1877) was a Danish silversmith who is considered one of the most important figures in Danish silversmithing. He was born in Odense, Denmark, in 1809. His family had been metalsmiths for generations, and he apprenticed with several master silversmiths in Odense and Copenhagen. In 1836, he traveled to Germany and France to study the latest trends in silversmithing.
In 1841, Michelsen opened his own workshop in Copenhagen. He quickly became known for his elegant and refined designs, which were often inspired by nature. He also developed a reputation for his mastery of enamelling, which he used to decorate his silver pieces with intricate and colourful patterns.
Michelsen was appointed Court Goldsmith and Maker of Orders to the Danish Royal Court in 1848. He held this position for the rest of his life, and he created many pieces of silver for the Danish royal family. He also received commissions from other European royal families, as well as from wealthy private collectors.
Michelsen's work is characterized by its simplicity, elegance, and attention to detail. He was a master of form and function, and his pieces are both beautiful and practical. He is considered one of the most important figures in Danish silversmithing, and his work is still highly sought-after today.
Some of Anton Michelsen's most famous pieces include
• The Christmas spoons, which he began producing in 1910. These spoons are decorated with scenes from Danish history and mythology.
• The Queen Alexandra Jubilee Cup, which he created in 1897 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Alexandra's accession to the throne.
• The Royal Copenhagen Coronation Service, which he created in 1906 for the coronation of King Christian X of Denmark.
• The Carlsberg Art Medal, which he designed in 1876. This medal is awarded annually to artists and scientists who have made significant contributions to Danish culture.
Michelsen's work is represented in the collections of museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Danish National Museum in Copenhagen.
Anton Seuffert
Born around 1814 in Bohemia, Anton Seuffert followed in his father's footsteps becoming a woodworker, eventually becoming a foreman at the firm of Leistler and Sons in Vienna. His craftsmanship led him to London during the 1851 Great Exhibition, where he assembled furniture for four sets of rooms. Notably, some of these pieces graced Queen Victoria's presence as a gift from the Emperor of Austria.
In 1858, Seuffert and his family migrated to Auckland, New Zealand, where his skill became renowned. He was sought after for crafting furniture for notable visitors to the city and gained citizenship in 1861, marking a commitment to his newfound home. Throughout his life, Seuffert's designs revealed an intimate understanding of New Zealand's native woods, textures, and natural motifs, as well as Maori influences.
The pinnacle of his career arrived in 1861-1862 with a remarkable writing cabinet, adorned with intricate inlays of New Zealand woods – a masterpiece valued at 300 guineas. The citizens of Auckland gifted this cabinet o her Majesty the Queen and is still in use in Buckingham Palace. Seuffert served as cabinet-maker to Governor George Grey in 1862-1863, creating exquisite inlaid panels for the Mansion House library. These panels, bearing Grey's coat of arms, transformed into tables and remain cherished in private collections.
The signature Louis XV style was a hallmark of Seuffert's craftsmanship, evident in an inlaid cabinet he crafted for Grey. This style resonated throughout his career, as he crafted at least eight similar cabinets. After the Duke of Edinburgh's visit in 1869, Seuffert's expertise earned him a royal appointment, a testament to his artistry and attention to detail.
Exhibiting internationally at events like the 1862, 1873, 1879, and 1880-81 exhibitions and locally at the Auckland Society of Arts, Seuffert's work garnered widespread acclaim. His dedication to his craft and family endured until his passing on August 6, 1887, in Auckland. His legacy carried on through his son William, a skilled cabinet-maker and inlayer who continued the family tradition.
Anton Teutenberg
Ferdinand Anton Nicolaus Teutenberg (4 December 1840 – 2 October 1933) was a New Zealand stonemason, carver, engraver, medallist and jeweller. He was born in Hüsten, Germany, in 1840. He learned his trade as an engraver with his father, and served two years as a military conscript. In 1866, he emigrated to New Zealand with his sisters and a nephew. He settled in Auckland, where he worked as a stonemason and carver. He also began to engrave medals and jewellery.
Teutenberg's work was highly skilled and detailed. He was particularly known for his portraits, which were often used for medallions and other commemorative pieces. He also produced a wide range of other work, including gargoyles, corbels, and other architectural ornaments. He was a highly respected member of the Auckland art community. He was a founding member of the Auckland Society of Arts, and he served as its president from 1884 to 1885. He was also a member of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and continued to work as an artist and craftsman until his death in 1933. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the early history of New Zealand art.
Teutenberg's work is held in collections around New Zealand, including the Auckland Art Gallery, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and the Waikato Museum.
Antonio Canova
Antonio Canova (1757–1822) was an Italian Neoclassical sculptor, widely considered to be one of the greatest of his time. He is known for his marble sculptures, which often depicted mythological and historical subjects. Canova's work had a significant impact on the development of sculpture in Europe and helped to revive the classical tradition. Some of his most famous works include "Theseus and the Minotaur" and "Perseus with the Head of Medusa." Canova died in 1822 and was buried in the church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice, Italy.
He was a popular artist among the wealthy British and European travellers of the Grand Tour, which was an 18th and 19th century tradition of young, upper-class Europeans traveling through Europe for the purpose of culture and education. Canova's sculptures were considered to be some of the finest examples of classical art, and many Grand Tourists visited his studio in Rome to see his works and meet the artist himself. Canova's reputation and success as a sculptor was also due to the Grand Tour, as many of the British and European patrons who visited Italy during the Grand Tour purchased Canova's sculptures to take back to their home countries, which helped to spread his fame and influence throughout Europe.
Antonio Citterio
Antonio Citterio, an Italian architect and furniture designer, was born in Meda, Italy, in 1950. He pursued his architectural studies at the Politecnico di Milano, completing his degree in 1972. Initially, Citterio embarked on his career as an architect, undertaking various projects both in Italy and abroad. However, in the early 1980s, he shifted his focus to furniture design. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with esteemed furniture manufacturers such as B&B Italia, Kartell, and Vitra.
Citterio's furniture designs are known for their clean lines, simple yet elegant forms, and functional aesthetics. He frequently employs high-quality materials such as leather, metal, and wood in his creations. Inspired by the works of renowned designers like Le Corbusier, Charles Eames, and Mies van der Rohe, Citterio infuses his designs with a sense of reverence for their contributions.
His exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the prestigious Compasso d'Oro, the highest honor in Italian design. Citterio is also a member of the Accademia di San Luca, the world's oldest art academy.
Citterio's work can be found in museums and private collections worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most influential furniture designers of his generation. Some of his notable furniture designs include the Sity Sofa (1986) for B&B Italia, the Extendable Battista Table (1991) for Kartell, the Mobil Container System (1993) for Kartell, the T-Chair (1996) for Vitra, the Dolly Chair (1996) for Kartell, and the Luta and Ac Chairs (2006 and 2009) for B&B Italia.
His designs exude elegance, comfort, and functionality, a testament to his exceptional skills as a designer and craftsman. Even today, they continue to captivate collectors and interior designers alike, standing as timeless examples of Citterio's artistic prowess.
Aphrodite / Venus
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of love, desire and beauty, whilst in Roman mythology she is called Venus.
Apollo
Apollo is the Greek and Roman god of the sun, and patron of music and poetry. He is often depicted with a lyre.
Apostle Spoon
Spoons, originally made both in sets of 13 and singly, that have as the finial a cast figure in-the-round, depicting one of the twelve apostles or Christ in Majesty, with his emblem. Apostle spoons were popular in England and Germany in pre-Reformation times.
Complete sets of thirteen different silver apostle spoons having the same maker and date, and dating from the 16th century are extremely rare, and even single apostle spoons of this period fetch a high price.
Apostle spoons have been reproduced in great numbers and those from the 19th century onwards often show the figure without an emblem, and are comparitively cheap to purchase.
Apothecary / Specie Jar
An apothecary jar is a type of container used to store and display small items or substances, typically in a pharmacy while a "specié jar" (also known as a "specimen jar") is used to store and display small samples or specimens of medications, herbs, or other substances. Apothecary jars are usually made of glass and have a wide base and a narrow neck, with a lid or stopper to keep the contents inside. They are often labelled with the name of the item or substance they contain, and they are often used to store and display items such as pills, ointments, or chemicals. Apothecary jars are nowadays used in decorative contexts, such as in a home or office setting. Specie jars are typically made of glass and have a wide mouth and a tight-fitting lid to preserve the contents. They are used for both practical and aesthetic purposes, as they can help pharmacists keep track of their inventory and also add an attractive touch to the pharmacy's display.
Apprentice Furniture
Small-scale versions of cabinet furniture, sometimes made by apprentice craftsmen to demonstrate their technical skills. More commonly, such pieces were made by skilled tradesmen and taken around country districts by journeymen or commercial travellers, so customers could order household furniture from these samples. Miniature furniture pieces, often made for children, are frequently described as apprentice pieces. They are now highly sought after, but, buyer beware, the market abounds with many imported and locally produced 'apprentice pieces' of more recent manufacture.
Apron
A decorative wooden panel that sits underneath the top surface of a table or chair, and unites the top of the piece with the legs, running at right angles to the underside. On carcase furniture such as a chest or wardrobe, the apron sits below the drawers or doors and attaches to the legs.
On carcase furniture without legs the panel under the drawers or doors sits on the floor and is termed a plinth.
An apron can provide a decorative touch to an otherwise unadorned piece of furniture and at the same time provide structural support and strength. They can be carved or pierced and quite elaborate.
Aquatint
The arabesque pattern is an ornamental design that features flowing, curving lines and elaborate geometric shapes. It is inspired by the art and architecture of the Islamic world and was developed at Fontainebleu France in the mid 16th century. Its use was spread through published engravings, and it is characterized by its intricate and highly decorative nature. The arabesque pattern is created using a repetitive motif that is repeated and interwoven to create a cohesive design. It was used as a form of decoration in art, architecture, textiles, pottery, furniture and ceramics and it is often used to add a sense of grandeur and sophistication to a design. The arabesque pattern is admired for its beauty and complexity, and it continues to be used in a wide range of decorative contexts today.
Aquila Ceramics
Aquila Ceramics was a New Zealand pottery company founded in 1972 by Cameron Brown and his wife, Jean. The company was based in Drury, Auckland, and produced a range of hand-made ceramic tableware, decorative items, and sculpture. Aquila ceramics were known for their distinctive glazes, which were often inspired by Maori motifs.
Cameron Brown was born in Auckland in 1929. He studied pottery at the Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland, and in 1953 he set up his own pottery workshop in Henderson. In 1965, Brown moved his workshop to Drury, where he established Aquila Ceramics. Jean Brown was born in 1933. She studied art at the University of Auckland, and in the early 1960s she began working as a potter with Cameron Brown. Jean Brown was responsible for the design of many of Aquila's most popular glazes.
Aquila Ceramics produced a wide range of ceramic products, including tableware, decorative items, and sculpture. The company's tableware was known for its simple, elegant designs. Aquila's decorative items were often inspired by Maori motifs, and the company's sculpture was highly regarded by collectors.
Aquila Ceramics ceased production in 1987. The company's closure was due to a number of factors, including the increasing cost of production and the decline in the popularity of hand-made ceramics.
Arabesque
The arabesque pattern is an ornamental design that features flowing, curving lines and elaborate geometric shapes. It is inspired by the art and architecture of the Islamic world and was developed at Fontainebleu France in the mid 16th century. Its use was spread through published engravings, and it is characterized by its intricate and highly decorative nature. The arabesque pattern is created using a repetitive motif that is repeated and interwoven to create a cohesive design. It was used as a form of decoration in art, architecture, textiles, pottery, furniture and ceramics and it is often used to add a sense of grandeur and sophistication to a design. The arabesque pattern is admired for its beauty and complexity, and it continues to be used in a wide range of decorative contexts today.
Arabia Ceramics
Arabia, the Finnish ceramics manufacturer was established in 1873, by the Swedish company Rorstrand, itself a ceramics manufacturer since 1726. The name Arabia was derived from the Helsinki district in which the first factory was located, Arabianranta.
Manufacturing commenced in 1874 with assistance from skilled Rorstrand staff, with the primary market being Russia. Production facilities expanded in the late 1880s and 1890s with about one third of output destined for the Russian market.
In the 1900s export sales began to fall due to higher production costs and import duties in the destination countries and Arabia concentrated on domestic sales.
The company was sold in 1916 to Finnish investors and a program of modernisation and additions to the plant was undertaken. There were a number of ownership changes in the 1920s with the end result that Arabia, Rorstrand and another Swedish porcelain manufacturer, Lidkoping becoming part of the one group.
By the 1930s Arabia was the largest porcelain manufacturer in Europe.
In 1990 Arabia was acquired by the Finnish company Hackman, manufacturers of stainless steel kitchen ware, who also owned the Iittala and Rorstrand brands. Further ownership changes saw the Hackman brands acquired by leading Finish consumer goods company Fiskars, who as well as the Hackman brands also own the Gerber, Royal Copenhagen Wedgwood and Waterford brands.
Arcadian Landscape / Setting / Scene
An Arcadian landscape is a type of landscape that is characterized by its peaceful, idyllic, and rustic setting. It is often associated with the idealized countryside of ancient Greece, and it is often depicted as a rural landscape with rolling hills, forests, streams, and meadows. Arcadian landscapes are often depicted in art and literature as being a place of retreat, where people can escape the stresses and demands of modern life and find a sense of peace and solitude. They are often associated with the concept of Arcadia, which was a region of ancient Greece that was known for its beauty and tranquility.
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Archibald Knox
Archibald Knox (1864-1933) is known for his pioneering work in the Arts and Crafts movement and his contributions to the development of Art Nouveau style. Born in the Isle of Man, Knox began his artistic training at the Douglas School of Art, and later studied at the Liverpool School of Art.
In 1899, Knox joined the London-based department store Liberty & Co. as a designer, where he created a range of metalwork, jewellery, furniture, and other household items. His designs were characterized by their simplicity, boldness, and use of stylized organic forms. Knox's metalwork designs for Liberty & Co. included a range of clocks, candlesticks, and other decorative objects. His designs often featured motifs drawn from nature, such as birds, flowers, and seashells. One of his most famous designs is the "Tudric" range of pewterware, which was produced by Liberty & Co. from 1902 to 1914.
In addition to his work for Liberty & Co., Knox also designed for other companies, including the Silver Studio, which produced wallpapers and fabrics, and the Birmingham Guild of Handicraft, which specialized in metalwork. His designs were well-received and he won numerous awards for his work, including a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Knox's designs were influenced by his love of Celtic art and his interest in the natural world. He drew inspiration from the rugged landscape of his native Isle of Man, as well as from the flora and fauna of the British countryside. His designs were innovative and modern, but also rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.
Archibald Knox is widely regarded as one of the most important designers of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Archizoom Associati
Archizoom Associati was an avant-garde group of "anti-design" minded young architects and designers, established in Florence in 1966. Their designs were a form of revolt against what they considered the pretensions of Modernist designers from earlier in the 20th century. Initial products included Pop Art-inspired furnishings, such as the Safari Chair, upholstered with exotic animal skins, and the Dream Bed, which because of its kitschy color and shape, sought to dispel any attempt at good taste in middle class homes.
The group disbanded in 1974.
Arflex
Arflex is an Italian furniture company founded in 1947 by Carlo Barassi, Renato Teani, Pio Reggiani, and Aldo Bai. The company's name is a portmanteau of "Ar" for "artificial" and "flex" for "flexible", reflecting the company's early focus on using new, innovative materials such as foam rubber and elastic tape in its furniture designs.
Arflex quickly became a leading force in the Italian design scene, collaborating with some of the most renowned architects and designers of the day, including Marco Zanuso, Carlo Bartoli, Joe Colombo, and Cini Boeri. The company's designs were characterized by their sleek, modern lines and their use of innovative materials and construction techniques.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Arflex furniture was exported all over the world, and the company became synonymous with Italian design excellence. Some of the most iconic Arflex designs from this period include the Lady armchair by Marco Zanuso, the Pixel sofa by Carlo Bartoli, and the Elda armchair by Joe Colombo.
In the 1970s, Arflex began to experiment with new materials and styles, and the company's designs became more eclectic and experimental. However, the company continued to produce high-quality furniture that was well-respected by designers and critics.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Arflex continued to produce innovative designs, but the company also began to focus on its heritage and its role in the history of Italian design. The company launched a number of retrospective exhibitions and publications, and it also began to reissue some of its classic designs.
Arflex remains a leading manufacturer of high-quality furniture. The company continues to collaborate with some of the most talented designers in the world, and its products are sold all over the world.
Argand Lamps
The Argand lamp was a lamp that burned whale oil, colza, olive oil or other vegetable oil lamp and produced a brighter light than candles. It was invented and patented in 1780 by Frenchman Aimé Argand (1750 – 1803. Aside from the improvement in brightness, the more complete combustion of the wick and oil required much less frequent trimming of the wick.
Because of the weight of the oil, the reservoir was mounted above the burner, and the wick was supplied with fuel by a gravity feed.
The wick also differed from what had been previously used. It was sleeve-shaped, and set-up so that air could pass both through the centre of the wick and also around the outside of the wick before being drawn into chimney. The cylindrical chimney steadied the flame and improved the flow of air.
The Argand lamp, together with the Carcel lamp was in general use until about 1850 when kerosene lamps were introduced.
The Carcel lamp was invented by the French watchmaker Bernard Guillaume Carcel (1750–1818) to overcome the disadvantages of the Argand lamp. He invented a clockwork mechanism that that drove a small pump in the tank that fed the Colza oil from a reservoir below the burner.
Kerosene had been invented in 1846 by Canadian Abraham Pineo Gesner (1797 –1864). His research into minerals resulted the development of a process to refine a liquid fuel from coal, bitumen and oil shale. His new discovery, which he named kerosene, burned more cleanly and was less expensive than competing products such as whale oil, colza and olive oil.
Kerosene also produced a whiter flame, and as it had a lower viscosity than the oils previously used, it could easily travel up a wick, eliminating the need for complicated mechanisms to feed the fuel to the burner.
Argyle
The argyle, also spelt argyll, is late 18th century gravy container with a spout, used to keep gravy warm. It has an outer container usually with its own outlet into which hot water is poured, whilst the inner container holds the gravy. Usually of silver or Sheffield plate and said to have been designed by the Duke of Argyll.
They were popular between 1760 and 1820.
Argyle Diamonds
Argyle diamonds are highly prized for their rarity and unique colours and were mined exclusively from the Argyle diamond mine in Western Australia. The Argyle mine was the world's largest diamond mine in terms of the volume of diamonds produced and was operational from 1983.
The story of Argyle diamonds begins in the late 1970s when geologists discovered a deposit of diamonds in the remote East Kimberley region of Western Australia. In 1983, the Argyle diamond mine officially opened, and over the years, it became a major producer of high-quality diamonds.
One of the unique features of Argyle diamonds is their pink and red coloration. These colours are caused by a distortion in the diamond's crystal lattice structure and are incredibly rare, with only a small percentage of diamonds found in the Argyle mine exhibiting these colours.
The Argyle diamond mine had a significant impact on the diamond industry, as it produced a large proportion of the world's pink and red diamonds. In 2020, the mine closed after 37 years of operation, as it had reached the end of its productive life.
Arial Glass
Ariel glass is a type of glassware that was produced by Swedish glassworks company Orrefors Glasbruk from the 1930s onwards. Orrefors Glasbruk was founded in 1898 and is known for its high-quality, hand-crafted glassware. Ariel glass is characterized by its clean, modern design and elegant lines. It is made using traditional techniques, such as hand-cutting and sandblasting, to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Orrefors Glasbruk has produced a wide range of Ariel glass products over the years, including vases, bowls, stemware, and other decorative objects.
Aristoc Industries
Aristoc Industries was founded by Ian Howard in 1946 in Melbourne, initially trading under the name O.H.C. Products Pty Ltd (Oyston, Howard and Charlesworth). By 1954 Howard had purchased the interests of the other partners and changed the company’s name to Aristoc Industries.
In 1948 Howard acquired a small business that made kindergarten furniture out of steel, and the firm became a pioneer of modern furniture design and tubular steel furniture.
Aristoc's mid-century furniture designs were characterized by clean lines, minimalist forms, and an emphasis on functionality. The company produced a wide range of furniture, including dining tables and chairs, sideboards, coffee tables, bookcases, and lounge chairs.
Some of Aristoc's most popular designs include the "Model 203" armchair, which features a solid teak frame and leather upholstery, and the "Model 303" dining chair, which has a sculptural teak frame and woven cane seat and back.
Aristoc's mid-century furniture pieces are prized for their quality, craftsmanship, and timeless aesthetic, and are considered investment pieces that retain their value over time.
Armand Marseille
Armand Marseille was born in Russia but founded a factory in Thuringa, Germany which began production of dolls in 1885 and continued through to the 1930s. Marseille's dolls were made of bisque, a type of porcelain that was popular for doll-making in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The dolls were known for their quality and attention to detail, and were produced in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit different tastes and budgets. Many of Marseille's dolls were made to look like infants or young children, with plump cheeks, curly hair, and bright, expressive eyes. Other dolls were made to look like adults, with more sophisticated features and elaborate costumes.
Marseille's dolls were popular in Germany and around the world, particularly in the United States, where they were sold by major retailers such as Sears, Roebuck and Co.
During World War I, Marseille's production was disrupted, but the company managed to survive and resumed production after the war. In the years that followed, Marseille continued to produce high-quality dolls, although the demand for bisque dolls began to decline as new materials such as plastic became more popular.
Armand Marseille dolls are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and artistic value. Many of Marseille's dolls are considered to be among the finest examples of bisque dolls ever produced and can fetch high prices at auction. Despite the fact that production ceased over 80 years ago, Armand Marseille dolls continue to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and doll enthusiasts around the world.
Armillary Sphere / Orrery
An armillary sphere is a simple demonstration device constructed from rings and hoops, made from the second century to the nineteenth depicting the moon, sun, and planets in relation to the earth, usually made of bronze or brass, and periodically revised as theories of cosmology changed. The most attractive examples were made in the eighteenth century. The orrery is a more sophisticated version, usually powered by clockwork.
Armoire
A French cupboard, usually in walnut, very similar to a wardrobe, with either mirrored or panelled doors, containing shelves and hanging space.
Unlike the English and Australian equivalent, the armoire is demountable, in that the sides, canopy, doors, and base are all held together with a few metal bolts. In an unassembled state an armoire can be 'flat packed', so it can be easily carried in pieces up the stairs of an apartment block.
Armorial / Armourial
Bearing a coat of arms. Coats of arms came into general use by feudal lords and knights in in the 12th century, and by the 13th century, arms had spread beyond their initial battlefield use to become a flag or emblem for families in the higher social classes of Europe. They were inherited from one generation to the next. When a family crest is used on individual items of silver or furniture it is an indicator of the aristocratic standing of the family represented.
Armorials were also used to decorate mass produced ceramic souvenir ware by such companies as Goss, Carlton & Shelley, and in these cases the coats of arms displayed were of boroughs and cities.
Arne Norell
Arne Norell (1917–1971) was a Swedish mid-century furniture designer who is best known for his simple, elegant, and functional designs. He was born in Asele, Sweden in 1917 and studied at the Royal College of Arts in Stockholm. After graduating, he worked as an architect and designer before opening his own furniture workshop in 1954.
Norell's work was influenced by the Scandinavian modern style, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. He often used leather, wood, and metal in his designs, and he was known for his innovative use of materials and construction techniques.
Norell's most famous designs include the Inca armchair, the Indra sofa, and the Sirocco chair. These pieces are all characterized by their clean lines, comfortable seating, and high quality craftsmanship.
Arne Norell died in 1971 at the age of 54 and is considered one of the most important furniture designers of the 20th century.
Arne Vodder
Arne Vodder was a Danish furniture designer known for his contributions to mid-century modern design. He was born in 1926 and studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. After graduating, he worked as a designer for several Danish furniture manufacturers, including Fritz Hansen, France & Søn, and Sibast.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Vodder gained recognition for his innovative and functional furniture designs. He was inspired by the principles of modernism and combined clean lines, organic shapes, and a focus on functionality in his creations. Vodder's designs often featured natural materials, such as wood and leather, and he had a particular affinity for the use of veneer.
Vodder collaborated with several Danish furniture manufacturers, including Fritz Hansen and Sibast Furniture, to produce his designs. His furniture pieces became highly sought after and were well-received both in Denmark and internationally.
One of Vodder's most iconic designs is the Sideboard Model No. 29, which he created in collaboration with Sibast Furniture in 1959. This sideboard is characterized by its sleek, minimalist design, clean lines, and expert craftsmanship. It showcases Vodder's ability to create furniture that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
Arne Vodder passed away on December 27, 2009. His work is considered part of the mid-century modern design movement, which emphasized simplicity, functionality, and a harmonious integration with nature. His furniture designs continue to be highly regarded and sought after.
Arno Malinowski
Arno Malinowski was a renowned Danish jewellery designer who made significant contributions to the field of decorative arts in the mid-20th century. Born in 1899, in Denmark, Malinowski's innovative designs and meticulous craftsmanship established him as one of the leading figures in Danish jewellery design.
Malinowski began his artistic journey by studying sculpture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. His talent and passion for art soon led him to explore the world of jewellery design, and he joined the renowned Danish silversmith company, Georg Jensen, in 1936. At Georg Jensen, Malinowski found the perfect platform to express his creative vision. Arno Malinowski's designs were heavily influenced by the prevailing Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles of the time. His jewellery pieces often featured organic forms, intricate detailing, and a harmonious blend of flowing lines and geometric shapes. He drew inspiration from nature, incorporating elements such as flowers, leaves, and animals into his designs.
One of Malinowski's notable contributions was the creation of a series of brooches known as the "Annual Blossom" series. Introduced in the late 1930s, these brooches depicted different flowers that bloomed during each season, showcasing Malinowski's exceptional ability to capture the beauty of nature in his designs. These brooches became highly sought after and remain iconic examples of his work.
Malinowski's collaboration with Georg Jensen resulted in numerous successful collections. His designs combined traditional craftsmanship with innovative techniques and materials, pushing the boundaries of jewellery design. He also introduced the use of colorful gemstones and enamel, adding vibrancy and depth to his pieces. During his time at Georg Jensen, Arno Malinowski's creations received critical acclaim and won several awards, including a gold medal at the Paris World Exhibition in 1937. His work was exhibited in renowned international exhibitions, solidifying his reputation as a leading jewellery designer.
In the early 1940s, Malinowski left Georg Jensen and established his own workshop in Copenhagen. This allowed him greater creative freedom and independence to explore his unique artistic vision. His designs during this period continued to be highly sought after, with collectors and jewellery enthusiasts appreciating his exceptional skill and distinctive style.
Arno Malinowski died in 1976. His career spanned over four decades, and his designs continue to be celebrated for their timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship.
Art and Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts movement began in Britain around 1880 and quickly spread across America and Europe. The Movement took its name from the Arts and Crafts Exhibition Society, founded in London 1887. One of the most influential figures behind the Arts and Crafts movements was the designer and writer William Morris. The movement continued until about 1920 and was followed by the Art Deco movement.
Art Deco Jewellery
Art Deco jewellery is a style that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, and it is characterized by its geometric shapes, bold colours, and the use of new materials such as platinum, chrome, and stainless steel. Some of the defining characteristics of Art Deco jewellery include:
- Geometric shapes: Art Deco jewellery features strong geometric shapes, such as triangles, rectangles, circles, and trapezoids. These shapes are often used to create bold and striking designs.
- Symmetry: Art Deco jewellery is often symmetrical, with patterns and motifs repeated on both sides of a piece.
- Bold colors: Art Deco jewellery makes use of strong, vibrant colors, such as deep blues, greens, and reds. These colors are often contrasted with black and white for added impact.
- Use of new materials: Art Deco jewellery was created at a time when new materials were becoming available, such as platinum, chrome, and stainless steel. These materials allowed designers to create sleek, modern designs that were unlike anything seen before.
- Emphasis on craftsmanship: Art Deco jewellery is known for its high level of craftsmanship, with intricate details and precise lines.
Art Deco Period
The Art Deco period was a cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, and was characterized by its emphasis on modernism, luxury, and elegance. The name "Art Deco" comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a large exhibition held in Paris in 1925 that showcased the latest trends in decorative arts.
Art Deco was a reaction against the ornate and elaborate styles of the previous era, and reflected a new modern sensibility. It was characterized by streamlined, geometric shapes, bright colours, and the use of new materials such as chrome, glass, and Bakelite. Art Deco designers sought to create a sense of luxury and sophistication, often incorporating expensive materials such as ivory, marble, and rare woods.
Art Deco had a significant impact on a wide range of artistic fields, including architecture, fashion, graphic design, and interior design. Some of the most iconic examples of Art Deco architecture include the Empire State Building in New York City, the Hoover Building in London, and the Palais de Chaillot in Paris.
The Art Deco period came to an end in the 1940s, as World War II and changing cultural trends led to a shift in artistic styles. However, Art Deco remains an important influence on design and art, and continues to be celebrated for its modernist sensibility and glamorous aesthetic.
Art Nouveau Period
The Art Nouveau period was a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th century, and was characterized by its emphasis on natural forms, flowing lines, and a decorative, ornamental style. Art Nouveau was a reaction against the ornate and heavily stylized designs of the previous era, and sought to create a new, more organic aesthetic.
Art Nouveau was characterized by its use of sinuous, curving lines, as well as a focus on natural elements such as flowers, vines, and other organic shapes. Art Nouveau designers sought to create a total work of art, in which every element of a building or object was designed to be harmonious with the overall design.
Some of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau design include the Paris Metro entrances designed by Hector Guimard, the works of the artist Alphonse Mucha, and the architecture of Victor Horta in Brussels.
The Art Nouveau period was at its peak between 1890 and 1910, but began to decline in popularity by the start of World War I. However, Art Nouveau remains an important influence on design and art to this day, and continues to be celebrated for its emphasis on natural forms and decorative style.
Art Union of London
Art Unions were organisations that functioned to promote and fund works of art. The members would pay an annual subscription, which would be used to purchase works of art, and these would then be distributed among its members by means of a ballot.
The Art Union of London was established in 1837 and by the 1840s was distributing art to the value of £9,000 each year.
The works purchased ranged from paintings which had been exhibited at the Royal Academy and in galleries to prints and smaller pieces including commissioned Parian wares, medals and bronze statuettes.
The membership numbers of the Art Union of London remained strong until the 1890s when they began to decline, and the Union was wound up in 1912.
Artek
Artek is a Finnish furniture company founded in 1935 by four young idealists: architect Alvar Aalto, his wife Aino Aalto, visual arts promoter Nils-Gustav Hahl, and art historian Maire Gullichsen. The name Artek is a combination of "art" and "technology," reflecting the company's focus on the harmonious combination of traditional handicrafts and modern industrial production methods.
From its beginnings, Artek aimed to promote a modern Finnish design style and make it accessible to a broader public. The company's first collection included furniture designed by Alvar Aalto, such as the famous Stool 60, as well as textiles, lamps, and other household items.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Artek participated in numerous international exhibitions, showcasing the company's innovative designs and functional approach. The company's success continued after World War II, with new designers joining the team and expanding the product range.
Throughout the decades, Artek has remained committed to its founding principles of combining art, technology, and sustainability. Today, the company offers a wide range of furniture, lighting, and home accessories, all designed with a focus on timeless beauty, durability, and functionality.
Artek's products have won numerous awards and can be found in public spaces and private homes worldwide. The company continues to be a significant player in the global design scene, always striving to promote Finnish design.
Arteluce
Arteluce was an Italian lighting company founded in 1939 by Gino Sarfatti. Sarfatti was an architect and lighting designer who was committed to creating modern and innovative lighting designs. Arteluce quickly became one of the leading lighting companies in Italy, and its designs were exported all over the world.
The company's early designs were inspired by the International Style, and they featured simple, geometric forms. Arteluce also collaborated with some of the leading architects and designers of the time, such as Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi, and Carlo Mollino. These collaborations resulted in some of Arteluce's most iconic designs, such as the "Parentesi" lamp by Achille Castiglioni and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni, and the "Ape" lamp by Ico Parisi.
In the 1960s, Arteluce began to experiment with new materials and technologies. The company introduced plastic, fiberglass, and metal into its lighting designs, and it also began to use new methods of production, such as injection molding and metal casting. These innovations allowed Arteluce to create more complex and playful lighting designs.
Arteluce continued to produce innovative and stylish lighting designs until the 1980s. The company's designs are known for their high quality, durability, and functionality. Arteluce lights are also known for their minimalist aesthetic, which makes them a popular choice for modern and contemporary interiors.
In 1987, Arteluce was acquired by the Italian lighting company Flos. Flos continued to produce Arteluce designs under the Arteluce brand name until 2005. In 2005, Flos discontinued the Arteluce brand name, but the company still produces some of Arteluce's most iconic designs under the Flos brand name.
Artemide
Artemide is an Italian lighting design company that was founded in 1960 by Ernesto Gismondi and Sergio Mazza. The company is based in Pregnana Milanese, near Milan, Italy.
During the 1960s, Artemide began to produce innovative lighting designs that were heavily influenced by the mid-century modern movement. One of their most iconic designs from this period is the "Eclisse" table lamp, which was created by designer Vico Magistretti in 1967. The lamp features a simple, cylindrical design with a rotating outer shell that can be used to adjust the brightness of the light.
Another notable design from Artemide during this period is the "Tizio" desk lamp, which was created by designer Richard Sapper in 1972. The lamp features a distinctive, angular design with a counterbalanced arm that allows the light to be positioned precisely where it is needed.
Artemide continued to produce innovative lighting designs throughout the 1970s and 1980s, collaborating with a number of prominent designers, including Issey Miyake, Mario Botta, Michele De Lucchi, Gae Aulenti, and Ross Lovegrove. In 1987, the company was awarded the Compasso d'Oro, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of industrial design, for their "Tolomeo" desk lamp, which was designed by Michele De Lucchi and Giancarlo Fassina.
Artemide is known for their cutting-edge lighting designs, which range from simple and elegant to complex and sculptural. The company has won numerous awards for their designs over the years, including multiple Compasso d'Oro awards and the Red Dot Design Award.
Artes Studio
Artes Studio was a furniture design and retail business founded in Sydney, Australia in 1950 by Hungarian designer George Korody. Korody had studied design in Budapest and Vienna before immigrating to Australia in 1949. He was inspired by the European modernism of the time, and his designs for Artes Studio were characterized by their clean lines, simple forms, and use of natural materials.
Korody's designs were popular with Australia's emerging middle class, who were looking for modern and stylish furniture that was also affordable. Artes Studio quickly became one of the most successful furniture retailers in Sydney, and its products were sold in department stores and furniture stores across Australia.
In addition to its own designs, Artes Studio also imported and sold furniture from leading European designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Hans Wegner, and Arne Jacobsen. This helped to introduce Australians to the latest trends in modern furniture design.
Artes Studio was also a pioneer in the use of new materials and technologies in Australian furniture making. In the 1950s, Korody began using plywood and other laminated materials in his designs, which allowed him to create more affordable and durable furniture. He also experimented with new manufacturing techniques, such as mass production, which helped to make his furniture more accessible to a wider audience.
Artes Studio was purchased by Kevin Jarrett in 1979 and in 1986 they merged with Arredorama and were later renamed Space Furniture which is still trading.
Arthur J. Wilkinson, Royal Staffordshire Pottery
Arthur J. Wilkinson, Royal Staffordshire Pottery was a pottery at Newport in Burslem, that had been owned by the Shorter family since 1894. The pottery had formerly been operated in turn by Hopkin & Vernon, Hulme & Booth, Thomas Hulme, Burgess & Leigh, and Richard Alcock, who enlarged the works extensively. On Alcock's death in 1881, the owners became Wilkinson & Hulme and in 1885 to Arthur J. Wilkinson.
The works at first produced earthenware for the home market, but later operations concentrated on white graniteware for the United States. Wilkinson introduced gold lustre on graniteware, and in its heyday it employed about 400 manual workers. In about 1896 A. J. Wilkinson took over the Royal Staffordshire Pottery in Burslem.
The pottery was managed by Colley Shorter and his brother Guy Shorter. By 1920 business had expanded so much, that the firm of A.J. Wilkinson was able to take over another neighbouring pottery which came to be known as the Newport Pottery Co.
Colley Shorter's second wife was the ceramic designer Clarice Cliff who had been working for the Royal Staffordshire Pottery since the age of 17. She attended evening classes at Burslem School of Art from 1924-1925 and studied sculpture at the Royal College of Art in 1927, but returned after only a few months to set up a small studio in Wilkinson's Newport Pottery, decorating traditional white-ware.
In 1927/8 a market testing of 60 dozen pieces of "Bizarre Ware", using reject stocks of sub-standard whiteware, and masking the blemishes with highly coloured decoration was organised by Colley Shorter. Wilkinson's salesmen were shocked by the extreme boldness of the Clarice Cliff designs and further astonished by the rapidity with which they sold. Handpainted Bizarre, the name chosen by Colley Shorter, the managing director of Wilkinson's, to cover the whole range, was launched.
In 1964 The factory was sold to Midwinter.
View further examples of Arthur J. Wilkinson, Royal Staffordshire Pottery
Artifort
Artifort is a Dutch furniture company founded in 1923 by Willem Gispen. The company is known for its modern and innovative furniture designs, many of which were created by famous mid-century designers such as Pierre Paulin, Gerrit Timmer, and Hans Knoll. Its furniture is characterized by its use of new materials and technologies, as well as its clean lines and geometric shapes. The company's early designs were inspired by the Bauhaus movement, and Artifort furniture was often used in public spaces such as offices, schools, and hospitals.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Artifort furniture became popular in the United States, and the company's designs were featured in magazines such as Vogue and Architectural Digest. Artifort furniture is still in production today, and the company continues to collaborate with leading designers to create new and innovative pieces.
Some of the most famous Artifort furniture designs include the Ribbon Chair, designed by Pierre Paulin in 1955 , the Tulip Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen in 1956, the ELC Sofa, designed by Gerrit Timmer in 1963, the CS Chair, designed by Jasper Morrison in 1988.
Artifort furniture is highly collectible, and many of the company's designs are considered to be classics of modern design. If you are looking for a unique and stylish piece of furniture, Artifort is a great option. Notable mid-century designers who worked with Artifort include Pierre Paulin, a French designer who is best known for his curvaceous and upholstered furniture; Gerrit Timmer, a Dutch designer who is best known for his minimalist and functional furniture; Gerrit Timmer, mid-century furniture designer and Hans Knoll, an American designer who is best known for his modern and sleek furniture. His designs for Artifort include the Barcelona Chair and the Womb Chair.
Arzberg Porcelain Factory
Arzberg porcelain was established in 1913 in Arzberg, Bavaria and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, functional porcelain products. During the 1920s and 1930s, Arzberg was known for its innovative designs, which combined traditional shapes with Art Deco influences. After World War II, the company continued to produce practical and stylish tableware, and in the 1970s and 1980s, it introduced new collections with a more modern aesthetic. Today, Arzberg porcelain is considered a classic brand and is still highly valued by collectors and lovers of fine porcelain. Arzberg porcelain is made using traditional techniques and is known for its durability and resistance to chipping and breaking. The factory produces a wide range of porcelain products, including dinnerware, serving pieces, and decorative objects.
Asahi Trading Company
Asahi Trading Company aka Asahi Gangu Seisakusho / Asahi Corp. was a Japanese toy manufacturer that was founded in 1948. The company was located in Tokyo, and it specialized in producing tinplate toys.
The company's diecast toys were known for their high quality and their innovative designs. The company produced a wide variety of toys, including cars, trucks, airplanes, trains, and animals. Asahi Trading Company's toys were also known for their brightly colored designs, which appealed to children.
Asahi Trading Company's toys were exported to countries all over the world, and they were popular with children of all ages. The company's toys were also featured in a number of movies and television shows, which helped to increase their popularity.
Asahi Trading Company went out of business in the 1970s.
Aseda Glasbruk
Aseda Glasbruk was a glassworks in Åseda, Sweden, that was in operation from 1947 to 1977. The glassworks was founded by Gunnar Nilsson and Nils Andersson. Aseda Glasbruk was known for its colorful and modern glassware. The glassworks produced a wide variety of items, including vases, bowls, and glasses. The glassware was designed by a number of talented designers, including Bo Borgstrom, Ake Pernby, and Vicke Lindstrand. Aseda Glasbruk was a successful glassworks for many years. However, the glassworks closed in 1977 due to financial difficulties. The glassworks was a major loss to the Swedish glassmaking industry, and its products are still sought after by collectors today.
Ashby Potters' Guild
Ashby Potters' Guild was an English studio pottery that opened at Woodville, Derbyshire in 1909, established by Pascoe Tunnicliffe. It closed in 1922 when it merged with the Ault Faience Pottery to form Ault and Tunnicliffe. Ashby Potters' Guild was active in the production of high end decorative wares.
Ashworth Bros.
Ashworth Bros. was a company based in Hanley, England that produced ceramics from 1862 -1968. Ashworth Bros was founded in 1848 and was known for its high-quality, hand-crafted ceramics. The firm succeeded Morley & Ashworth (1858-60) which had acquired the rights to the Mason patent for ironstone china. Masons Ironstone China is a type of ceramics that is made from a mixture of fine clay and iron oxide. It was developed in the early 19th century and was known for its durability and resistance to chipping and breaking. Ashworth Bros. produced a wide range of ceramics products, including dinnerware, decorative pieces, and figurines. The company's products were highly sought after and were known for their beautiful designs and attention to detail. Ashworth Bros. operated until the early 20th century. Since 1973 the company has been part of the Wedgwood group.
Asparagus Tongs
As the name indicates, these were tongs designed for serving asparagus. They were in use from around 1780 to 1830. and over that time the design evolved. The earliest form had a sppring jaw with a number of small concave ridges along the inner face, for holding the asparagus spears. Later examples had a tong action with pireced decoration, or a pair of rounded holders for gripping the circular stems of the asparagus.
Asprey & Co.
The London firm of luxury goods manufacturers and retailers was founded by William Asprey in 1781.
The range of goods handled includes jewellery, silverware, home goods, leather goods, timepieces, accessories and polo equipment and a retailer of books.
The company has held Royal Warrants for the supply of goods to the British Royalty since the 1830s.
As well as the flagship store in New Bond Street, where the company has been located since the 1830s, Asprey also has stores in the United States, Switzerland and Japan.
Anything with an Asprey mark is highly regarded by collectors.
Assay / Assayed
Assaying is the testing of a metal, most commonly silver and gold to determine its ingredients and quality. In Britain, once an item of silver or gold has been assayed, a mark is stamped on it, certifying its purity. Known as hallmark, it derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay and mark articles of gold and silver.
Astor Radios
Astor was an Australian brand of radios and other electric and electronic products from Electronic Industries that was established in 1926 by Sir Arthur Warner.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Astor produced a wide range of radios, including console models, table models, and portable radios. The company was known for its high-quality products, which were often more affordable than similar radios from other brands.
One of Astor's most popular radios was the "Mickey" model, which was first introduced in the late 1930s. The Mickey was a small, portable radio that was designed to look like the head of the popular cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. The radio became a cultural icon in Australia and was popular with children and adults alike.
During World War II, Astor shifted its focus to producing military equipment, including radios and radar systems. After the war, the company resumed production of consumer electronics and continued to innovate with new products, such as the Astorvision television in the 1950s.
In 1956 a majority stake was sold to the English electronics company Pye Ltd , and Pye was later taken over in 1966 by the giant Philips electronics company.
In the 1960s, Astor began to face increasing competition from foreign electronics manufacturers, and the company struggled to remain profitable. Products continued to be produced under the Astor-brand until the early 1970s.
Astragal / Glazing Bars
An astragal, bead or glazing bar is the term used to describe the wooden strips that divide the glass in a cabinet into sections. However it can also refer to the narrow beading on a multi-door cabinet or bookcase that covers the gap between the doors, when they are closed. The astragal is usually attached to the inner stile of the left-hand door (or the right hand as you look at it).
Atelier
Atelier (French for "workshop"), in English usuage describes the workshop of an artist in the fine or decorative arts, where the artist and a number of assistants, students and apprentices worked together producing pieces that went out in the artists name. This was the standard practice for European artists from the Middle Ages to the 18th or 19th century
Atkin Brothers
The Atkin Brothers were a Sheffield silversmithing firm that was founded in 1824 by Henry Atkin and Thomas Oxley. The firm was originally known as Atkin, Oxley & Co., but it was renamed Atkin Brothers in 1853 after Henry Atkin's death. They were one of the leading silversmithing firms in Sheffield during the 19th century. The firm produced a wide range of silver objects, including flatware, hollowware, and jewellery. They embraced technological advancements, such as electroplating, which allowed them to create silver-plated wares that were more accessible to a broader audience.
Atkin Brothers was also known for its innovative designs, and the firm won several awards for its work at the Great Exhibition of 1851and the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1855, where their exceptional creations garnered critical acclaim
The firm continued to be successful in the early 20th century and continued its operation under various names and ownerships, maintaining its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. It was eventually acquired by British Silverware Ltd. in 1963. British Silverware Ltd. discontinued the Atkin Brothers brand in 1971.
Atmos Clock
The Atmos clock is 'The Clock That Runs on Air'.
For centuries scientists had experimented with the idea of perpetual motion and watchmakers and clockmakers yearned for a timekeeping device that would work without the need of manual winding; in short a timepiece that would continue to run under its own power.
By the 1920's the closest they had come to this was the 400 day clock. In the late 1920s, Jean-Leon Reutter, a young Paris engineer produced a clock with a timekeeping mechanism designed specifically to consume the smallest possible amount of power to keep the clock running satisfactorily.
As well as changes to the mechanism, Reutter's clock included a mercury and gas filled bellows that would react to the most sensitive changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions, and in so doing, created a gentle rocking motion that gave power to the clock when needed.
The result of Reutter's achievement was an ingenious new clock that could run dependently and continuously, and so incredibly sensitive that it could be rewound by the slightest fluctuations in the atmosphere or by the slightest changes in temperature, hence the name 'Atmos Clock'.
In 1930, Jaeger-Le Coultre a world famous Swiss watch-making company, also famous for the 'Reverso Watch' acquired the Atmos Clock Patent from Reutter and has continued to improve the design and manufacture the clocks to the present day.
An Atmos clock takes a month to produce in the factory, then another five weeks of trial and adjustment before it is ready for shipment
Attributed
A cataloguing term where the item in the opinion of the cataloguers, is a of the period of the artist, craftsman or designer, and which probably in whole or part is the work of that person.
Aubusson Tapestries
Aubusson tapestries have a long
history dating back to the Middle Ages. The town of Aubusson, where the
tapestries are made, has a history of textile production that stretches back to
the 13th century, and it is believed that the first Aubusson tapestries were
produced around this time. However, the town of Aubusson really began to thrive
as a center of tapestry production in the 16th century, when it became known
for producing high-quality tapestries for the French royal court and other
wealthy patrons. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Aubusson tapestries became
especially popular and were produced in large quantities for export to other
countries in Europe and beyond. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the production
of Aubusson tapestries continued, although it faced competition from other
types of decorative textiles such as machine-made carpets. Traditionally,
Aubusson tapestries were made using wool yarn and a technique called
"petit point," in which the wool yarn is woven onto a canvas backing
to create a detailed and highly-textured image. Today, modern tapestries may
also be made using other materials, such as cotton or silk, and may incorporate
other techniques such as silk-screen printing or machine weaving. Aubusson
tapestries are often used as wall hangings or decorative pieces in homes, and
they are also used in public spaces such as museums, churches, and government
buildings. They are known for their durability and longevity, and many antique
Aubusson tapestries still exist and are highly valued for their historical and
artistic significance.
Aubusson Tapestries and Carpets
Aubusson tapestries originated between the towns of Clermont-Ferrand and Limoges in a group of French tapestry workshops that developed from the 14th century, created by the arrival of weavers from Flanders. The finest and most famous tapestries were decorated with illustrations drawn from the fables of French poet Jean de La Fontaine, from historical etchings and of seascapes from the school of painter Claude Joseph Vernet.
In the 19th century production of tapestries in the 17th and 18th century style restarted. In 1939 a new production unit opened, with the patterns based on designs provided by contemporary artists such as Salvadore Dali, Jean Lurcat, Lucien Coutaud, Raoul Dufy, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Saint Saens. The British artist, Graham Sutherland, designed an Aubusson tapestry for Coventry Cathedral, which at the time was the world's largest vertical tapestry.
The Aubusson tapestry workshops continue operating to the present time, and in 2009 were placed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
August Ludwig Brunkhorst
August Ludwig Brunkhorst was a prominent watchmaker and jeweller in Adelaide, Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born on October 18, 1849, in Hamburg, Germany, and arrived in Australia in 1870. He settled in Adelaide, where he established a successful watchmaking and jewellery business.
Brunkhorst's business, which was located on Rundle Street in Adelaide, specialised in the manufacture and repair of watches and clocks, as well as the design and creation of jewellery. He was known for his high level of skill and craftsmanship, and his work was highly regarded throughout the community.
In addition to his work as a watchmaker and jeweller, Brunkhorst was also an active member of the Adelaide community. He served as a member of the Adelaide City Council, and was involved in various charitable and cultural organizations.
August Ludwig Brunkhorst passed away on November 14, 1919, at the age of 70. His legacy as a skilled craftsman and respected member of the community lives on in the many examples of his work that survive today.
August Moreau
August Moreau, born on November 23, 1834, in Dijon, France, was a highly esteemed sculptor known for his exquisite bronze works during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born into a family of artists, with his father Jean-Baptiste Moreau being a successful sculptor as well. He received his artistic training under the guidance of his father and quickly developed his own distinctive style. He primarily focused on creating small-scale bronze sculptures that depicted a variety of subjects, including allegorical figures, mythological scenes, genre figures, and animals. His sculptures often showcased intricate details and a remarkable level of realism.
During the late 19th century, Moreau gained recognition for his ability to capture delicate emotions and expressions in his bronze figures. His works radiated a sense of grace, elegance, and sentimentality that appealed to a wide audience. Moreau's sculptures were particularly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts who appreciated the refined beauty and meticulous craftsmanship that characterized his creations.
One of Moreau's notable achievements was his participation in the prestigious Paris Salon, an annual art exhibition held in Paris. His works were regularly showcased at the prestigious Paris Salon, an annual art exhibition held in Paris, where they received critical acclaim and garnered attention from prominent art critics and collectors. Moreau's sculptures won several awards and medals, including the coveted medal of the Salon.
Throughout his career, Moreau collaborated with esteemed foundries such as Ferdinand Barbedienne and Susse Frères, who were renowned for their exceptional casting and finishing techniques. This collaboration ensured that Moreau's sculptures were executed with the utmost precision and maintained the high quality for which he was known. Moreau's subject matter often drew inspiration from mythology, literature, and everyday life. His sculptures depicted graceful maidens, cherubs, dancers, and pastoral scenes, capturing moments frozen in time with an exquisite sense of movement and elegance. Moreau's attention to detail, nuanced expressions, and refined compositions set him apart as a master of his craft.
August Moreau's artistic career spanned several decades, during which he created an extensive body of work. His sculptures continue to be admired and collected today, with many pieces showcased in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world. Moreau's contributions to the field of sculpture are considered significant, as he played a vital role in shaping the artistic landscape of his time.
August Moreau passed away on February 11, 1917.
August Schramm
August Schramm operated from 38 Kerr Street Fitzroy from 1891-1904, and then moved to 60 Westgarth Street Fitzroy until 1924. His work using Australian native timbers was unsurpassed in his day, making spectacular specimen wood boxes and superb picture frames using the finest cuts of timber.
Auguste Rodin
Auguste Rodin was a French sculptor who is considered the founder of modern sculpture. He was born in Paris in 1840 and died there in 1917. Rodin was largely self-educated, and began to draw at age 10. Between ages 14 and 17, he attended the Petite École, a school specializing in art and mathematics where he studied drawing and painting.
Rodin's early work was in the traditional academic style, but he soon began to develop his own unique style, which was characterized by its emphasis on realism and emotion. His most famous works include The Thinker, The Kiss, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais.
Rodin's work was controversial in his own time, but it is now widely recognized as some of the most important sculpture of the 19th century. He was a major influence on many other sculptors, including Henry Moore and Alberto Giacometti.
Aurene Glass
Aurene glass is an iridescent coloured glass developed by Frederick Carder (1863-1963), while working at the Steuben Glassworks in the United States. Frederick Carder was an English glassmaker who emigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. He managed the Steuben Glass Works from 1903 to 1932, including the period after it was taken over by Corning Glass in 1918. Aurene is very similar to Tiffany's favrile glass, the colour obtained by combining metal and non metal glasses, onto which a solution of stannous chloride is sprayed, giving a velvety sheen to the brown, red, gold, blue and green colours.
Australian Bicentenary
The Australian Bicentenary was a significant event in the history of Australia, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in New South Wales in 1788. The Bicentenary celebrations took place throughout the year 1988 and included a wide range of events and activities.
The Bicentenary celebrations were planned and organized by the Australian Bicentennial Authority, which was established by the Australian government in 1980. The Authority was responsible for coordinating a range of events and initiatives that aimed to celebrate the history, achievements, and diversity of Australia's people and culture.
Australian Cedar
Australian cedar, also known as red cedar or Toona ciliata, is a species of tree that is native to eastern Australia. It is known for its high-quality timber, which has a distinctive red color, fine grain, and a pleasant aroma. In the 19th century, Australian cedar was widely used in the manufacture of furniture, particularly in Australia and the United Kingdom.
The timber was considered to be a highly desirable material for furniture making due to its strength, durability, and natural resistance to rot and insects. It was also relatively easy to work with and could be finished to a high standard and was used to make a wide range of furniture items, including tables, chairs, wardrobes, and chests of drawers.
Australian cedar furniture was particularly popular in the Victorian era and was considered to be of very high quality. However, over-harvesting of the tree led to a decline in the availability of the timber and as a result, the use of Australian cedar in furniture making decreased in the 20th century. Today, Australian cedar furniture is considered to be quite rare and valuable by collectors.
Australian Colonial Furniture
Australian Colonial furniture was made in the early years of settlement in Australia during the 19th century. It is characterized by a fusion of European and Australian design elements, reflecting the influences of the country's colonial history. Some of the features of Australian Colonial furniture include:
• Use of native Australian timbers: The furniture was often made from native Australian timbers, such as cedar, blackwood, and huon pine.
• Simple designs: Australian Colonial furniture was typically simple in design, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. This reflected the practical nature of the early colonial settlers.
• Influences from European design: Despite its simplicity, Australian Colonial furniture often reflected European design influences, particularly from English, Scottish, and Irish styles.
• Comfortable seating: Chairs and sofas were designed to be comfortable and often had padded seats and backs.
• Turned legs: Many pieces of furniture had turned legs, which were a popular design element in both European and Australian furniture at the time.
• Carvings and inlays: While the overall design of Australian Colonial furniture was simple, some pieces had intricate carvings or inlays that added decorative elements.
• Durability: Given the harsh climate of Australia, Australian Colonial furniture was often built to be sturdy and durable, with thick legs and frames.
Overall, Australian Colonial furniture is known for its simplicity, practicality, and use of native Australian materials, reflecting the country's early colonial history and influences from Europe.
Australian Colonial Goldfields Brooches
Australian Colonial Goldfields brooches have a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century gold rush era in Australia during. The brooches were a popular form of jewellery worn by women during this period, particularly those who were married to miners or who had family members working in the goldfields.
The brooches were made from gold mined from the Australian colonial goldfields, which were located primarily in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland. These goldfields were discovered in the mid-1800s, and the subsequent gold rush led to a significant increase in the Australian population, as people flocked to the region in search of wealth and opportunity.
The brooches themselves were often quite ornate, featuring intricate designs that were meant to showcase the beauty of the Australian landscape and the wealth of the goldfields. Many brooches featured images of mining tools, such as picks and shovels, as well as depictions of local flora and fauna, such as kangaroos and gum trees.
In addition to being a fashion statement, the brooches also served as a symbol of pride and patriotism for the Australian people. As the country began to emerge as a major player on the global stage, the brooches came to represent the spirit of innovation and hard work that had made Australia a success.
View further examples of Australian Colonial Goldfields Brooches
Australian Federation
The Australian Federation was established on January 1, 1901, marking the official union of the six colonies of Australia: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The federation was the result of decades of political and social debate, and it marked a significant milestone in the country's history.
The process of federation began in the 1890s, when a series of constitutional conventions were held to draft a constitution for a united Australia. The final version of the constitution was approved in 1899 and was subsequently put to a series of referendums in each of the colonies. The referenda were successful, and on January 1, 1901, the Australian Constitution came into effect.
Under the new constitution, Australia became a federal parliamentary democracy, with a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The constitution also established a federal system of government, with certain powers delegated to the central government and others retained by the states.
The first federal election was held in March 1901, and the newly-formed Commonwealth Parliament met for the first time in May of that year. The first Prime Minister of Australia was Sir Edmund Barton, who led a coalition of parties known as the Protectionist Party.
The establishment of the Australian Federation had significant implications for the country's economy, politics, and social structure. It marked the beginning of a new era of national unity and cooperation, and it paved the way for significant reforms in areas such as education, healthcare, and labor relations.
Autoart
AUTOart is a Hong Kong-based company that specializes in the production of high-quality die-cast toy vehicles. The company was founded in 1998 by Mr. Jimmy Yee, who had a passion for automobiles and a vision to create accurate and detailed scale models. The company gained recognition in the toy industry for its commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. The company focused on producing 1:18 scale model cars, replicating both classic and contemporary vehicles from various automotive brands. They aimed to capture the essence and intricacies of each car, ensuring a realistic and authentic representation.
One of AUTOart's key strengths was its dedication to accuracy. The company employed skilled model makers and utilized advanced manufacturing techniques to meticulously recreate the exterior and interior features of the actual vehicles. They paid attention to minute details such as the paint finish, opening doors and hoods, functioning suspension systems, and intricately designed engine compartments. Their commitment to quality and realism quickly garnered them a reputation as a leading manufacturer of die-cast model cars. Collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world appreciated their products for their exceptional craftsmanship and faithful replication of iconic automobiles.
Over the years, AUTOart expanded its product range to include different scales, such as 1:43, 1:12, and 1:64, catering to a wider audience. They diversified their offerings to encompass not only cars but also motorcycles, trucks, and other automotive-related accessories. AUTOart's success in the toy industry allowed them to secure licenses and partnerships with various prestigious automotive brands. This enabled them to produce officially licensed models, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and authenticity. Some of the notable collaborations include renowned manufacturers like Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
AUTOart continues to produce a wide range of die-cast toy vehicles, maintaining its focus on craftsmanship, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Automata
Automata include mechanically operated figures, mostly of the late 19th century, having a clockwork mechanism that moved their limbs, often with a musical accompaniment driven by a musical box movement. Amongst the popular subjects were sailors, piano players, women dancing, men smoking and comic monkeys. A separate genre was singing birds, where one or two were concealed in an ornate metal jewellery-style box and popped up, trilled and fluttered their wings when the device was operated. Another less common genre was in the form of an ornately framed oil painting that included several moving characters and perhaps the village clock.
Automatons / Automata
The history of automatons, or self-operating machines, dates back to ancient times. One of the earliest known examples of an automaton is the mythical figure of Pygmalion's statue, which was said to have been brought to life by the Greek god Zeus. In the ancient world, automatons were also used as tools for entertainment, with examples such as the hydraulic singing birds of ancient Rome and the mechanical puppets of ancient China.
In the Middle Ages, automatons were used in clock towers and other public places to mark the passing of time and to entertain the public. Some of these automatons were quite elaborate, with moving parts and mechanical functions that were powered by water or weights.
During the Enlightenment period of the 18th century, automatons became more sophisticated and were used to demonstrate scientific principles and innovations. In the 19th and 20th centuries, advances in technology and manufacturing led to the development of more complex and sophisticated automata for the consumer market and could be found fitted to clock, watches, dolls, robots and novelty items that could perform a wide range of tasks.
Autore Pearls
Autore Pearls Pty. Ltd. is an Australian pearl farming and jewelry company based in Sydney, Australia. The company was founded by Rosario Autore in 1991.
Rosario Autore was born in Sicily, Italy, and grew up in a family of fishermen. In the early 1970s, he moved to Australia and began working in the pearling industry in Western Australia. In 1991, he founded Autore Pearls with the aim of creating high-quality pearl jewelry using pearls grown in Australian waters.
Autore Pearls quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the most beautiful and unique pearl jewelry in the world. The company's designs are known for their innovative use of color, texture, and shape, and for the high quality of the pearls used in each piece.
In addition to its jewellery collections, Autore Pearls is also involved in pearl farming and has farms in several locations around Australia. The company is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, and its pearls are certified by the Australian South Sea Pearls Certification Authority.
Today, Autore Pearls is one of the most respected names in the pearl industry, and its jewellery is sold in some of the world's most exclusive boutiques and department stores. The company has won numerous awards for its designs and is recognized as a leader in the field of pearl jewellery.
Aventurine Glass
Aventurine glass is a type of glass where small flakes of gold, copper, or silver color form in the glass and provide a glitter or sparkle to the glass when seen in the light. The small flakes are created by adding copper, gold or silver to the molten glass during the glassmaking process.
Aventurine Quartz
Aventurine quartz is a variety of quartz that contains small sparkling mineral inclusions, typically of mica or hematite. The inclusions give the stone a shimmering or glittering effect, making it a popular choice for jewellery. It is found in various colours, including green, blue, brown, and red, with green being the most common. The green colour is due to the presence of fuchsite, a type of mica.
In jewellery making, aventurine quartz is often used for beads, pendants, and cabochons. It can be cut into various shapes and sizes and can be polished to a high shine. Aventurine quartz is also popular in tumbled stone form for use in necklaces, bracelets, and other jewellery.
Averys
Averys are pressed brass needle cases made to hold different sized needles.
The first, the ‘Quadruple Golden Casket’, was produced by William Avery of Redditch, Worcestershire, in 1868, whose father was a needle manufacturer, but competitors soon followed and now the term has been extended to all brass needlecases.
Most Averys date from the 1870s when there was a huge explosion in production. The needles are held in rows that move, or in slots that hold packets.
There are three types of Averys – flats, quadruples and figurals. Figurals are the most desirable and valuable, with many shapes inspired by nature.
Aynsley China Ltd. (formerly J. Aynsley & Sons)
Aynsley China Ltd. is a British manufacturer of bone china tableware, giftware, handpainted figurines and animals and commemorative items. The company was founded in 1775 by John Aynsley in Lane End, Longton, Staffordshire. In 1861 his grandson John Aynsley built the historic Portland Works on Sutherland Road, Longton, Staffordshire.
Commemorative wares to mark Royal occasions were popular line of the company, reaching their peak with the Aynsley designed dinner service being selected from 15 entries by Princess Elizabeth for her wedding. The design was then marketed commercially as the 'Windsor" pattern.
The company's profitability from sales of its tableware, giftware and commemorative items made it a desirable acquisition and in 1970 John Aynsley and Sons was taken over by Waterford and renamed Aynsley China Ltd.
In 1987 there was a management buyout of Aynsley China Ltd. and then in May 1997, Aynsley China was acquired by The Belleek Pottery Group of Ireland.
Due to rising costs at its Sutherland Road factory, and falling sales, the company closed its Stoke-on-Trent factory in December 2014 ending 239 years of manufacture in Staffordshire.
Production of Aynsley China was outsourced to China.
View further examples of Aynsley China Ltd. (formerly J. Aynsley & Sons)