Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
British Galleries, Room 125c

Panel

1883 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This panel was purchased from the International Health Exhibition in 1884 for £50. It is likely that it was intended to be displayed as an example of fine embossing or repoussé work (silver hammered from the back to give a raised decorative effect) to inspire art workers or students visiting the Museum.

People
Thomas Spall, who made this panel was born in Dublin in 1853 and studied at the Birmingham School of Art before training with the local, but internationally important manufacturers, Elkington & Co. His work was praised for its 'feeling and finish' and admired for the excellence of the craftsmanship.

Subject
At the time the panel was acquired, the subject of two angels singing from a book, was stated to be 'after an original by Donatello'. More recent research has indicated that the panel which it copies is more likely to have been the work of an assistant in Donatello's studio.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Embossed silver
Brief description
Silver, Birmingham, 1883, made by Elkington & Co., designed and executed by Thomas Spall.
Physical description
Panel, silver, oblong recessed, repoussé in high relief with the standing figures of two young girls, singing. A reduction after the original by Donatello.
Dimensions
  • Height: 30.5cm
  • Width: 11.4cm
  • Depth: 1.8cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 21/01/1999 by sf
Marks and inscriptions
Signed: 'Thos. Spall. Fecit 1883'
Gallery label
British Galleries: Thomas Spall studied at the government-sponsored Birmingham School of Art before starting his training with Elkington & Co. in Birmingham. He became one of Elkington's best known 'repoussé' craftsmen. The high-relief embossed figures are in the manner of Florentine Renaissance work.(27/03/2003)
Object history
Designed by Thomas Spall (born in Dublin, 1853) and made by him at Elkington & Co., Birmingham.
Subject depicted
Summary
Object Type
This panel was purchased from the International Health Exhibition in 1884 for £50. It is likely that it was intended to be displayed as an example of fine embossing or repoussé work (silver hammered from the back to give a raised decorative effect) to inspire art workers or students visiting the Museum.

People
Thomas Spall, who made this panel was born in Dublin in 1853 and studied at the Birmingham School of Art before training with the local, but internationally important manufacturers, Elkington & Co. His work was praised for its 'feeling and finish' and admired for the excellence of the craftsmanship.

Subject
At the time the panel was acquired, the subject of two angels singing from a book, was stated to be 'after an original by Donatello'. More recent research has indicated that the panel which it copies is more likely to have been the work of an assistant in Donatello's studio.
Collection
Accession number
95-1885

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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