Pattern book
- Place of origin:
England, Great Britain (published)
- Date:
- Artist/Maker:
- Materials and Techniques:
Engraving on paper, with cloth binding
- Museum number:
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 118a, case 8
- Download image
Object Type
This object is a printed page from a pattern book. A pattern book is a collection of designs brought together for use as a model or source by artists or craftsmen. This pattern book is anonymous and dates from about 1800.
Subject Depicted
This pattern-book page shows a selection of designs for metal handles for commodes (a commode is a piece of furniture which contains drawers or shelves). They are for handles made from stamped brass. To make stamped brass articles, thin sheets of brass were laid on a shaped block, known as a 'die', and hammered on the reverse, so that the design on the die becomes impressed in the brass.
Decorative brass fittings for furniture, such as handles like these, were among the staple products of the Birmingham and London brass founders during the 18th and 19th centuries.
People
Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746-1817) played a significant role in the rebellions of two separate nations. During the American War of Independence of 1776-1783, Kosciuszko served with the colonists as both an engineer and a field commander, eventually at the rank of Brigadier-General. He also led the Polish-Lithuanian uprising of 1794, winning several key conflicts before his troops were defeated by vastly superior forces: the combined might of Prussia, Russia and Austria.
The inclusion of this figure in the pattern book indicates that this English merchandise was aimed at the export market.
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (published)
Date
1801-1815 (made)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Engraving on paper, with cloth binding
Marks and inscriptions
Titled 'Reflecting Commode Handles' and inscribed in red ink with the prices ranging between 6 to just under 10 shillings' (30-50p); on paper with watermark of Britannia and dated 1801
Dimensions
Height: 20 cm, Width: 32 cm
Object history note
Published in England
Descriptive line
Metalwares pattern book for the export trade
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Victoria and Albert Museum Department of Engraving, Illustration & Design, Old English Pattern Books of the Metal Trades: A Descriptive Catalogue of the Collection in the Museum. London: Printed under the Authority of His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1913.
The full text of the entry is as follows:
"M. 61. g.
Mark.—None.
Description.—A brass stamper's list. 7¾ in. by 12½ in., 85 plates. No date. Water mark : Britannia and 1801. From internal evidence it must have been issued after 1793 and before 1815. In original mottled binding and leather back.
Summary of Contents.—Commode handles, cloak pins, reflecting commode handles, escutcheons, bed caps, metal picture and glass frames and metal borders for rooms. Prices written in.
Comments.—The water-mark fixes 1801 as the near date of publication, although it should be remembered in this connection that paper was not likely to be used so quickly after making, a hundred years ago as it is to-day. The goods are stamped brass, and are described in many places as " finished burnished gold colour." The drawing is excellent, and the decorations embodied in the designs full of interest. While the list is English, the goods were evidently meant for consumption abroad as well, and the maker had one eye on the French and American markets. In the then disturbed state of Europe not much manufacturing was in progress there, and the Americans were too young to have developed their resources. The war fever working in the mind of the draughtsman expressed itself in his graver. He literally revelled in naval and military emblems, and " Honor" and " Victory" appear in most unlikely places. With a fine impartiality he flaunts the red cap or depicts Napoleon conducting in person a spirited bombardment of a castle while troop of cavalry charges wildly up from the background. The feelings of the Royalist faction were to be appeased with a weeping willow drooping over the tomb of Louis XVI. Austria is provided for with the double eagle set in a variety of commode handles, cloak pins, and bed caps. The softer side of life is represented by scenes of childhood after the manner of Greuze and Sir Joshua Reynolds. Poland is flattered by a portrait of the patriot Thaddeus Ksciuszko. A portrait of George Washington is another example of the bid for local markets. See illustration, plate VIII."
Labels and date
British Galleries:
The goods advertised in this pattern book were intended for export. The furniture handles seen here include a portrait of Tadeusz Kosciuszko (1746-1817), a Polish hero who served under General George Washington during the American War of Independence. They were clearly aimed at the American market. [27/03/2003]
Materials
Paper; Ink; Cloth
Techniques
Binding; Engraved
Categories
Pattern books
Collection code
PDP
