This finely carved and lively frieze of foliage would have been greatly admired in the nineteenth century and was purchased as a fine example for carvers who were training and for those planning new interior decorations. Limewood was the most favoured wood for carving. It had very little grain, so allowed carvers to produce very fine work. The pattern of scrolling foliage was one that was used in most European countries.This frieze is one of several hundred carvings given to the Museum in 1921 by Sir Charles Allom and his wife, in memory of their son, who died in the First World War. From 1893 Sir Charles headed White Allom & Co., one of the most successful firms of architectural decorators in Britain, specialising in the copying of historic styles. Between 1900 and 1914 he also began to work for clients in the United States and after the First World War he spent time in both countries. The collection of carvings seems to have been put together as a study collection for his son, perhaps in the expectation that he would follow in his father's footsteps and take over the firm.