Not currently on display at the V&A

Frame Part

1730-1770 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This boldly carved framing section would have formed part of a scheme of architectural panelling in France in the first half of the 18th century. The use of fantasy elements such as the dragon were part of the Chinoiserie style that used Chinese-inspired figures and motifs to create a sub-set of the fanciful style known as Rococo. The frame part is one of several hundred carvings given to the Museum in 1921 by Sir Charles Allom and his wife, in memory of their son, who died in the First World War. From 1893 Sir Charles headed White Allom & Co., one of the most successful firms of architectural decorators in Britain, specialising in the copying of historic styles. Between 1900 and 1914 he also began to work for clients in the United States and after the First World War he spent time in both countries. The collection of carvings seems to have been put together as a study collection for his son, perhaps in the expectation that he would follow in his father's footsteps and take over the firm.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved limewood
Brief description
Part of a frame of carved limewood, in the form of a curved moulding carved with a bundle of reeds and acanthus leaves, surmounted by a dragon
Physical description
Part of a frame of carved limewood, in the form of a curved moulding carved with a bundle of reeds and acanthus leaves, surmounted by a dragon
Dimensions
  • Height: 41.5in
  • Width: 5.25in
Dimensions taken from departmental catalogue. Not checked on object
Style
Credit line
Given by Sir Charles and Lady Allom in memory of their son, Lieutenant Cedric Allom RFA
Summary
This boldly carved framing section would have formed part of a scheme of architectural panelling in France in the first half of the 18th century. The use of fantasy elements such as the dragon were part of the Chinoiserie style that used Chinese-inspired figures and motifs to create a sub-set of the fanciful style known as Rococo. The frame part is one of several hundred carvings given to the Museum in 1921 by Sir Charles Allom and his wife, in memory of their son, who died in the First World War. From 1893 Sir Charles headed White Allom & Co., one of the most successful firms of architectural decorators in Britain, specialising in the copying of historic styles. Between 1900 and 1914 he also began to work for clients in the United States and after the First World War he spent time in both countries. The collection of carvings seems to have been put together as a study collection for his son, perhaps in the expectation that he would follow in his father's footsteps and take over the firm.
Collection
Accession number
W.537-1921

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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