Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C , Case M, Shelf 80

Design

1890s (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a design for a weathervane for the art metalworker Francis Skidmore's firm which went into liquidation in 1872 and was taken over by Winfields of Birminham but carried on as F.A. Skidmore. There are numerous designs for 'wrought iron terminals vanes etc' in an earlier volume of printed designs entitled 'Skidmore's Art Manufactures Co Book of Designs', 1859-1870, in the Public Library in Coventry.

Now little known, Skidmore was once famous as the maker of the Albert Memorial (1863-1876) and the Hereford Screen (which was exhibited in London at the International Exhibition of 1862). Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878) designed both the memorial and the screen and employed Skidmore to execute them. Skidmore also produced church plate, light fittings, and furniture but was best known for his innovative architectural ironwork. Based in Coventry, Skidmore worked for some of the leading designers of the Gothic Revival movement, particularly Sir George Gilbert Scott.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Pencil on tracing paper
Brief description
Design for a weathervane for Francis Skidmore's firm, 1890s
Physical description
Design for a weathervane.
Dimensions
  • Height: 34cm
  • Width: 17.5cm
Production typeDesign
Credit line
Purchased with the assistance of the Friends of the National Libraries
Object history
The provenance is the grand-daughter of Francis Skidmore.
Production
In 1872, Skidmore's Art Manufactures and Constructive Ironwork Company went into liquidation and was taken over by Winfields of Birmingham. Later in his career, Skidmore employed designers to work for him so it is unknown who drew this design. Similar designs were published earlier in 'Skidmore's Art Manufactures Co. Book of Designs' in the Public Library , Coventry.
Subject depicted
Summary
This is a design for a weathervane for the art metalworker Francis Skidmore's firm which went into liquidation in 1872 and was taken over by Winfields of Birminham but carried on as F.A. Skidmore. There are numerous designs for 'wrought iron terminals vanes etc' in an earlier volume of printed designs entitled 'Skidmore's Art Manufactures Co Book of Designs', 1859-1870, in the Public Library in Coventry.

Now little known, Skidmore was once famous as the maker of the Albert Memorial (1863-1876) and the Hereford Screen (which was exhibited in London at the International Exhibition of 1862). Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878) designed both the memorial and the screen and employed Skidmore to execute them. Skidmore also produced church plate, light fittings, and furniture but was best known for his innovative architectural ironwork. Based in Coventry, Skidmore worked for some of the leading designers of the Gothic Revival movement, particularly Sir George Gilbert Scott.
Bibliographic reference
Howell, Peter. Francis Skidmore and the Metalwork. In: Chris Brooks, ed. The Albert Memorial. The Prince Consort National Memorial: its History, Contexts, and Conservation. p. 264.
Collection
Accession number
E.387-2006

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Record createdOctober 11, 2007
Record URL
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