Radiator panel, cast iron and bronze, designed by Alfred Stevens, made by Henry Hoole & Company, Sheffield, 1866-67

One of the few pieces of ironwork designed by Stevens specifically for the V&A, then called the South Kensington Museum. It was made by Henry Hoole & Company of Sheffield, Yorkshire, manufacturers of metal grates and fenders, to whom Stevens was chief designer from 1850 to 1857. Minutes of the Science & Art Dept (Ed.28/22) p.41: Estimate from Henry E Hoole & Co., Green Lane Works, Sheffield, dated 2nd August 1866, submitted to the Secretary of the Science and Art Dept: "Sir, Our estimate for making a covering or case for the Hot-water coil in the East Staircase, to a design by Alfred Stevens Esq, of white iron relieved by ormolu moulding and finished for Exhibition in Paris, will be £105.10.0" On 3rd August, Colonel Henry Scott (in charge of the new Museum buildings) recommended that this tender be accepted. On 9th August, Henry Cole wrote: "This wanted for the museum buildings, to be used after Exhibited at Paris... ask if it can be delivered before 31 Dec'. Cole discussed this with the Lord President on 19th August 1866, after which the cover was made.

The Hot-water coil cover was exhibited in Paris at the International Exhibition, 1867 ('Exposition universelle d'art et d'industrie', 1 April-31 October), in the British Section, and published in the Catalogue, 1868, p.111, Group III, Class XXII 'Bronzes and other Art Castings and Repousse Work'.

Exhibited in the V&A in 'Alfred Stevens 1817-75' exhibition, 1975

A.54-1953