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This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

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Window Grille

ca. 1893 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The idea to build the Imperial Institute originated in the late 1870s with the idea to build a permanent Empire museum or exhibition in London. An Indian Museum (of art objects) was opened at South Kensington in 1880, and then following the success of the 1886 Colonial and Indian Exhibition the Prince of Wales enlisted the colonial representatives in a scheme to perpetuate the exhibition for the celebration of the Queen's approaching Jubilee.

The building was designed by T. E. Colcutt. The foundation stone was laid by the Queen in July 1887 and the official opening by the Queen took place on 10 May 1893 in a temporary hall as the Great Hall was not completed. Initially under Central Government control, the management of the Institute was transferred to the Colonial Office in 1907 and then to Department of Overseas Trade in 1925. The Institute provided information about trade and the buildings were used for a number of events. It housed a number of departments and exhibition galleries were used to promote trade and research. The building was also used to host overseas visitors. It was at the Imperial Institute that the National Indian Assocation held their 'At Home' event on 1 July 1909 at which Sir Curzon-Wyllie was assassinated by Madan Lal Dhingra.

In the 1950s, parts of the buildings were demolished for the expansion of Imperial College. The Institute was renamed the Commonwealth Institute in 1958 and moved to Holland Park in 1962.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Window Grille
  • Window Grille
Materials and techniques
Wrought iron
Brief description
Window grille, wrought iron with dragon head and foliage ornament, designed by T. E. Collcutt for the Imperial Institute, South Kensington, made by Potter and Sons or Richardson, Ellson & Company, England, 1887-1893
Physical description
Pair of window grilles, wrought iron, the lower portion consists of a grid pattern, formed of five vertical rods of square section, through which are threaded six horizontal rods also of square section. the lowest rod, unlike the others, is curved back at each end at an angle of approximately 90°, in order to be attached to the window frame. The uppermost ornamental portion of the grille springs from just above the uppermost ornamental rod. The topmost end of each vertical rod bellies forward, back and then forward in an S shape. The three inner S shapes terminate at the top in a four petalled flower with five stamens, and at the base two scrolls flank the stem. The outer S shapes each terminate at the top with a dragon's head with fanged open mouth; at the base two scrolls flank the stem, with, in addition, just below the scrolls a corkscrew stamen motif, and another similar motif between the scrolls. A horizontal rod of round section is threaded through all five main vertical stems, and minor pairs of scrolls. At the top is a square horizontal rod which curves in the same way as its lower counterpart.
Dimensions
  • Height: 134cm
  • Width: 79cm
Credit line
Given by the Imperial Institute
Object history
The Imperial Institute designed by T.E. Collcutt, and built between 1887-93, was officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1893 and demolished between 1957 and 1965.
Subjects depicted
Association
Summary
The idea to build the Imperial Institute originated in the late 1870s with the idea to build a permanent Empire museum or exhibition in London. An Indian Museum (of art objects) was opened at South Kensington in 1880, and then following the success of the 1886 Colonial and Indian Exhibition the Prince of Wales enlisted the colonial representatives in a scheme to perpetuate the exhibition for the celebration of the Queen's approaching Jubilee.

The building was designed by T. E. Colcutt. The foundation stone was laid by the Queen in July 1887 and the official opening by the Queen took place on 10 May 1893 in a temporary hall as the Great Hall was not completed. Initially under Central Government control, the management of the Institute was transferred to the Colonial Office in 1907 and then to Department of Overseas Trade in 1925. The Institute provided information about trade and the buildings were used for a number of events. It housed a number of departments and exhibition galleries were used to promote trade and research. The building was also used to host overseas visitors. It was at the Imperial Institute that the National Indian Assocation held their 'At Home' event on 1 July 1909 at which Sir Curzon-Wyllie was assassinated by Madan Lal Dhingra.

In the 1950s, parts of the buildings were demolished for the expansion of Imperial College. The Institute was renamed the Commonwealth Institute in 1958 and moved to Holland Park in 1962.
Bibliographic references
  • GLC Survey of London. vol. 38, 1975, p.225 and p.227 & pls. 68-9
  • John Physick, Marble Halls, London, V&A exhibition catalogue, 1973.
Collection
Accession number
M.234&A-1977

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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