Elephant
Tray
1914 (made)
1914 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This tray was designed by Duncan Grant for the Omega Workshops. Grant was a co-director of the workshops which were founded by Roger Fry. The workshops employed young artists to produce decorative objects for the home between 1913 and 1919. Influenced by French Post-Impressionist painting such as Fauvism and Cubism, the workshops produced printed and woven textiles, ceramics and painted furniture. Some of the objects were made by the artists, themselves while other designs were handed over to skilled craftsmen.
It is likely that this tray was made by the cabinet-maker Joseph Kallenborn. He was also responsible for turning Henri Gaudier-Brzeska's design of two wrestlers into a tray (Museum no. W.30-1978). Duncan Grant grew up in Burma and probably drew inspiration from his time there when he designed the woman riding a small elephant depicted on this tray. The tray proved popular and was copied several times. Another version was bought by the playwright George Bernard Shaw, who had invested money in the workshops.
It is likely that this tray was made by the cabinet-maker Joseph Kallenborn. He was also responsible for turning Henri Gaudier-Brzeska's design of two wrestlers into a tray (Museum no. W.30-1978). Duncan Grant grew up in Burma and probably drew inspiration from his time there when he designed the woman riding a small elephant depicted on this tray. The tray proved popular and was copied several times. Another version was bought by the playwright George Bernard Shaw, who had invested money in the workshops.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Elephant |
| Materials and techniques | Inlaid and painted wood |
| Brief description | Tray, 'Elephant', designed by Duncan Grant for the Omega Workshops, probably made by Joseph Kallenborn, English, 1914 |
| Physical description | Circular tray with rectangular handle at either side. Marquetry depiction of a woman on an elephant. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Omega symbol on outside of rim. |
| Credit line | Given by Mrs Margaret H. Armitage (née Bulley) |
| Object history | This tray was designed by Duncan Grant for the Omega Workshops. Grant was a co-director of the workshops which were founded by Roger Fry. It is likely that this tray was made by the cabinet-maker Joseph Kallenborn. He was also responsible for turning Henri Gaudier-Brzeska's design of two wrestlers into a tray (Museum no. W.30-1978). The design of this tray proved popular and was copied several times. One version was bought by the playwright George Bernard Shaw, who had invested money in the workshops. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This tray was designed by Duncan Grant for the Omega Workshops. Grant was a co-director of the workshops which were founded by Roger Fry. The workshops employed young artists to produce decorative objects for the home between 1913 and 1919. Influenced by French Post-Impressionist painting such as Fauvism and Cubism, the workshops produced printed and woven textiles, ceramics and painted furniture. Some of the objects were made by the artists, themselves while other designs were handed over to skilled craftsmen. It is likely that this tray was made by the cabinet-maker Joseph Kallenborn. He was also responsible for turning Henri Gaudier-Brzeska's design of two wrestlers into a tray (Museum no. W.30-1978). Duncan Grant grew up in Burma and probably drew inspiration from his time there when he designed the woman riding a small elephant depicted on this tray. The tray proved popular and was copied several times. Another version was bought by the playwright George Bernard Shaw, who had invested money in the workshops. |
| Bibliographic references |
|
| Other number | 78/1596 - RF number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | MISC.2:12-1934 |
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 | February 7, 2007 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
