Not currently on display at the V&A

Panel

1500-1550 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Pierced carving is very difficult to design and achieve successfully. It is not surprising that this piece was selected as an example of fine historic workmanship. It 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

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved oak
Brief description
Narrow panel of oak, carved and pierced, showing a warrior's head in a medallion, enclosed within a symmetrical radiating design of vases and foliated scrollwork.
Physical description
Narrow panel of oak, carved and pierced, showing a warrior's head in a medallion, enclosed within a symmetrical radiating design of vases and foliated scrollwork.
Dimensions
  • Height: 29.25in
  • Width: 10.25in
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
Pierced carving is very difficult to design and achieve successfully. It is not surprising that this piece was selected as an example of fine historic workmanship. It 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.500-1921

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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