Stand
ca. 1880 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Christopher Dresser is often regarded as the ‘father of industrial design’. He designed utilitarian objects for the general public, while making full use of the latest techniques of mass production. He trained at the Government School of Design in London and was significantly influenced by two of his tutors, Richard Redgrave and Owen Jones. He was receptive to a wide range of influences but above all he drew inspiration from botanical sources and Japanese art, both of which he studied intensively.
In Victorian Britain the applications of brass were almost endless; with physical qualities of toughness, hardness and colour that varied according to the zinc content of the alloy, brass was extremely versatile and inexpensive. The uses ranged from utility to ornament – from engineers’ grease cups to hearth furniture and tableware.
This stand for fire tools would have held fire irons and probably also a small shovel and brush for cleaning ash; all these items are missing.
In Victorian Britain the applications of brass were almost endless; with physical qualities of toughness, hardness and colour that varied according to the zinc content of the alloy, brass was extremely versatile and inexpensive. The uses ranged from utility to ornament – from engineers’ grease cups to hearth furniture and tableware.
This stand for fire tools would have held fire irons and probably also a small shovel and brush for cleaning ash; all these items are missing.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Brass |
Brief description | Brass stand for fire irons, probably designed by Christopher Dresser, with three scroll feet, twisted stem and floral motifs, English, ca. 1880 |
Physical description | Three small scroll feet support a conical base with a crenelated rim. The spirally twisted stem supports two arms terminating in floral motifs. |
Dimensions |
|
Subject depicted | |
Summary | Christopher Dresser is often regarded as the ‘father of industrial design’. He designed utilitarian objects for the general public, while making full use of the latest techniques of mass production. He trained at the Government School of Design in London and was significantly influenced by two of his tutors, Richard Redgrave and Owen Jones. He was receptive to a wide range of influences but above all he drew inspiration from botanical sources and Japanese art, both of which he studied intensively. In Victorian Britain the applications of brass were almost endless; with physical qualities of toughness, hardness and colour that varied according to the zinc content of the alloy, brass was extremely versatile and inexpensive. The uses ranged from utility to ornament – from engineers’ grease cups to hearth furniture and tableware. This stand for fire tools would have held fire irons and probably also a small shovel and brush for cleaning ash; all these items are missing. |
Collection | |
Accession number | M.29-1971 |
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 13, 2004 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest