Mould
19th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This fine example of the carver's art is a mould for decorative relief, of the kind used to adorn panelling, ceilings, fireplaces and door surrounds. The shallow carving indicates that this mould was for making a fairly flat band, probably to decorate a picture frame. Although the stylised leaves depicted here are reminiscent of the neo-classical motifs of the 18th century, it is more likely that this mould was carved during the 19th century when the neo-classical style was revived.
Different mixtures of whiting, glue and gum arabic, known as 'composition', were pressed into the boxwood mould to make crisp, detailed mouldings that were light and easy to apply to a ceiling or wall. For larger mouldings paper pulp or some kind of textile were added to provide body. The development of moulded composition ornament brought about a decline in the number of professional woodcarvers needed for decorating interiors. Skilled carvers, however, were still very much in demand for the production of perfect moulds.
This piece is part of a large collection of moulds and carvings once owned by George Jackson & Sons, a London firm specialising in decorative plasterwork. Established in 1780, Jackson's were reputed to have produced neo-classical mouldings for interiors designed by the Adam brothers, such as those at Croome Court in Worcestershire. Later Jackson projects included work on the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, Buckingham Palace and several Cunard liners.
This frieze depicts the stylised foliage of the Mediterranean species Acanthus spinosus, a tall plant commonly known as Bear's Breeches, with spiny leaves and a spike of purple and white flowers.
Different mixtures of whiting, glue and gum arabic, known as 'composition', were pressed into the boxwood mould to make crisp, detailed mouldings that were light and easy to apply to a ceiling or wall. For larger mouldings paper pulp or some kind of textile were added to provide body. The development of moulded composition ornament brought about a decline in the number of professional woodcarvers needed for decorating interiors. Skilled carvers, however, were still very much in demand for the production of perfect moulds.
This piece is part of a large collection of moulds and carvings once owned by George Jackson & Sons, a London firm specialising in decorative plasterwork. Established in 1780, Jackson's were reputed to have produced neo-classical mouldings for interiors designed by the Adam brothers, such as those at Croome Court in Worcestershire. Later Jackson projects included work on the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, Buckingham Palace and several Cunard liners.
This frieze depicts the stylised foliage of the Mediterranean species Acanthus spinosus, a tall plant commonly known as Bear's Breeches, with spiny leaves and a spike of purple and white flowers.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Carved boxwood |
Brief description | Boxwood mould for plasterwork, 19th century, English (George Jackson & Sons Ltd. collection) |
Physical description | Carved boxwood mould with a repeating linear leaf design |
Style | |
Credit line | Given by Clark and Fenn Ltd. |
Production | The firm from which the V&A acquired this mould, George Jackson & Sons Ltd, was based in London until its move to Mitcham, Surrey in 1988. |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | This fine example of the carver's art is a mould for decorative relief, of the kind used to adorn panelling, ceilings, fireplaces and door surrounds. The shallow carving indicates that this mould was for making a fairly flat band, probably to decorate a picture frame. Although the stylised leaves depicted here are reminiscent of the neo-classical motifs of the 18th century, it is more likely that this mould was carved during the 19th century when the neo-classical style was revived. Different mixtures of whiting, glue and gum arabic, known as 'composition', were pressed into the boxwood mould to make crisp, detailed mouldings that were light and easy to apply to a ceiling or wall. For larger mouldings paper pulp or some kind of textile were added to provide body. The development of moulded composition ornament brought about a decline in the number of professional woodcarvers needed for decorating interiors. Skilled carvers, however, were still very much in demand for the production of perfect moulds. This piece is part of a large collection of moulds and carvings once owned by George Jackson & Sons, a London firm specialising in decorative plasterwork. Established in 1780, Jackson's were reputed to have produced neo-classical mouldings for interiors designed by the Adam brothers, such as those at Croome Court in Worcestershire. Later Jackson projects included work on the Royal Pavilion at Brighton, Buckingham Palace and several Cunard liners. This frieze depicts the stylised foliage of the Mediterranean species Acanthus spinosus, a tall plant commonly known as Bear's Breeches, with spiny leaves and a spike of purple and white flowers. |
Collection | |
Accession number | W.356-1989 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | March 17, 2006 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest