Stand thumbnail 1
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Metalware, Room 116, The Belinda Gentle Gallery

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.


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
  • Height: 20.5cm
  • Width: 26.6cm
  • Base diameter: 12.03cm
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

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Record createdFebruary 13, 2004
Record URL
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