AN EARLY ARTS AND CRAFTS SILVER EMBOSSED SHIELD BY OMAR RAMSDEN AND ALWYN CARR

AN EARLY ARTS AND CRAFTS SILVER EMBOSSED SHIELD BY OMAR RAMSDEN AND ALWYN CARRLONDON 1899In low relief with the three lion passant regardant of England on a red tincture ground, in a studded border, mounted on a rectangular oak panel, 19cm (7 1/2in) high, 13.5cm (5 1/4in) wide See 'Metal Work by Ramsden and Carr', The Artist, February 1902, p. 116 and p. 118, 'For heraldic work Ramsden and Carr's handling would appear to be eminently satisfactory. The shield with three lions has the strength of drawing and definition, bold contour and rich decoration of surface, with the touch of ancientness and the reverence for tradition such work seems to require. One could have wished the tips of the lions' tails (especially the top one) bore less resemblance to tulips; but, after all, it is easy and safe to poke fun at a heraldic lion'. Provenance: the oak on which the shield is mounted is believed to have been from HMS Victory, the timber having been salvaged from the ship during repairs in the 1880s and used in many of Ramsden and Carr's work during the Stamford Bridge Studios period.Condition Report: General overall condition good with minor nicks and surface scratching commensurate with age and use. Marks clear. Original fixture to the oak back for hanging now replaced with nailsCondition Report Disclaimer