Commemorative Inkstand thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Commemorative Inkstand

ca. 1850 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Object Type
This inkstand was probably designed as a souvenir of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The foot of the object is divided into compartments showing images linking raw materials, business and retailing with manufactures and art products. For example 'Manufactures' shows a weaver, a designer and a potter at work. Named designers in the ribbon around the edge of the foot reinforce the links to art and design, while the globe containing the inkwell adds the international dimension that the Great Exhibition was the first to exploit.

People
The inkstand was designed by the designer and illustrator John Leighton (1822-1912), who worked under the pseudonym Luke Limner. The inkstand's design originally appeared as a metal plaque on the cover of the Art Journal catalogue of the Great Exhibition. Leighton designed stained glass, ceramics and bookbindings as well as serving on the jury of the Paris Exhibition of 1878. The inkstand was made by Elkington & Co., the largest and most ambitious silversmiths in the 19th century.

Historical Associations
The inkstand commemorates the Great Exhibition of 1851 and was made by Elkington and Co., who won a coveted Council medal for the ingenious use of electricity to create works of art. The inkstand was gilded by an electric current.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Inkstand
  • Bottle
Materials and techniques
Gilt and silvered bronze, with glass lining
Brief description
Commemorative gilt and silvered bronze inkstand. Designed by John Leighton and manufactured by Elkington and Co. Birmingham, about 1850.
Dimensions
  • Height: 8cm
  • Diameter: 23.4cm
Dimensions checked: Measured; 28/06/1999 by LH
Gallery label
(27/03/2003)
British Galleries:
The decoration of this inkstand represents the ideals of the Great Exhibition, whcih was intended to display the best-designed examples of manufactured objects, improve popular taste, promote international peace and stimulate trade. The international nature of the Exhibition is symbolised by the globe, which contains an inkwell.
Credit line
Given by John Leighton
Object history
Made by Elkington & Co., Birmingham
Summary
Object Type
This inkstand was probably designed as a souvenir of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The foot of the object is divided into compartments showing images linking raw materials, business and retailing with manufactures and art products. For example 'Manufactures' shows a weaver, a designer and a potter at work. Named designers in the ribbon around the edge of the foot reinforce the links to art and design, while the globe containing the inkwell adds the international dimension that the Great Exhibition was the first to exploit.

People
The inkstand was designed by the designer and illustrator John Leighton (1822-1912), who worked under the pseudonym Luke Limner. The inkstand's design originally appeared as a metal plaque on the cover of the Art Journal catalogue of the Great Exhibition. Leighton designed stained glass, ceramics and bookbindings as well as serving on the jury of the Paris Exhibition of 1878. The inkstand was made by Elkington & Co., the largest and most ambitious silversmiths in the 19th century.

Historical Associations
The inkstand commemorates the Great Exhibition of 1851 and was made by Elkington and Co., who won a coveted Council medal for the ingenious use of electricity to create works of art. The inkstand was gilded by an electric current.
Collection
Accession number
481&A-1901

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Record createdMarch 27, 2003
Record URL
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