This cabinet was designed as an embroidery cupboard, with many shallow shelves. The doors are decorated with the symbols of the Zodiac, painted by George McCulloch . The choice of oak, the simple design and the modest use of decoration seen here are all features of Arts and Crafts furniture.
The designer, Lewis Foreman Day (1845-1910), was extremely keen on embroidery and published articles and manuals on the subject. He was one of the most commercially aware and successful designers of his generation. He is best known for his textiles, ceramics and wallpapers, and for his writings on the philosophy of the Arts and Crafts Movement. He had a strong relationship with the V&A and the art school attached to it, and the Museum owns a large collection of his designs.
Physical description
Oak, inlaid with ebony and satinwood decorated with painted panels of the signs of the Zodiac executed by George McCulloch. Designed by Lewis F. Day as an embroidery cupboard in 1888.
Place of Origin
England (made)
Date
ca. 1888 (made)
Artist/maker
Day, Lewis Foreman, born 1845 - died 1910 (designer)
McCulloch, George (painter)
Materials and Techniques
Oak inlaid with ebony and satinwood decorated with painted panels
Dimensions
Height: 175 cm, Width: 132 cm, Depth: 45 cm
Object history note
Exhibited at the Arts and Crafts Exhibition 1888.
Designed as an embroidery cupboard.
Descriptive line
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
From cabinet, English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day
English, 1885-88, des. Lewis F Day, contains 14 shelves
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Karen Livingstone and Linda Parry, eds., International Arts & Crafts (V&A: V&A Publications, 2005), p.51.
Labels and date
International Arts & Crafts (Re: A&C Exhibition Society)
This modest cabinet was one of about twelve pieces of furniture shown at the first exhibition. Initially many of the larger furniture retailers and manufacturers did not participate because they were unwilling to abide by the rule that the individuals who made their furniture should be named. [17/03/2005]
Materials
Oak; Ebony; Satinwood
Techniques
Painting; Inlay
Subjects depicted
Zodiac symbols
Categories
Furniture; Paintings
Collection
Furniture and Woodwork Collection
