Enamelled gold locket bearing the Egyptian hieroglyph nefer (beautiful), made by Arthur and Carlo Joseph Giuliano, England (London), about 1900

Enamelled gold locket bearing the Egyptian hieroglyph nefer (beautiful). Mark of Carlo and Arthur Giuliano.

Given by Mr Cecil F. Crofton

This locket was from the collection of Cecil Crofton. Cecil Frederick Crofton was born Frederick William Martin on 10 November 1859 in Birmingham. After a brief career as an architect, he changed direction and became a professional actor. He was most active between 1882 and 1896 and may have changed his name during this period. He was an energetic collector of textiles, silver, furniture and art, in particular the works of Simeon Solomon.

From 1913, Cecil F. Crofton made a series of generous gifts to the V&A, including silver, works on paper, jewellery and textiles. Writing to the Director in November 1918, he explained his pleasure in making the gifts as he felt firstly, that it 'places in safety a few of my dearest possessions' but also that he felt himself to be 'under a debt of gratitude to the Museum... I have used it as a rest cure & often when I have felt tired of the struggle & squalor of our modern life, I have found refreshment in your treasure house'.


Made in London by 'C & A Giuliano', which, in 1900, can only refer to Carlo Giuliano's sons and successors, Carlo junior and Arthur Giuliano.

M.6-1923