On display

44311

Nutcracker
1958 (designed and made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

One of the biggest single commissions given to Robert Welch was to design the tableware for the Orient liner SS Oriana (1960-86). This was designed and manufactured between 1958 and 1960. When Sir Colin Anderson was chairman, the Orient Line developed an enlightened design policy. It employed some of the best and most innovative designers and architects of the day to construct and fit out its ships. To be awarded a commission by Anderson was an accolade in itself.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Title44311 (trade title)
Materials and techniques
Brass prototype for production in stainless steel, cast by the lost wax process.
Brief description
Nutcracker, brass prototype, designed and made by Robert Welch RDI, Chipping Campden, 1958.
Physical description
Prototype nutcraker, brass for a nutcracker, stainless steel, satin finish, composed of two arms, pivoted at the top, off centre, wave-like internal contours to hold varying sizes of nuts securely, while its two pointed crests efficiently break their shells.
Dimensions
  • Length: 14.30cm
Style
Production typePrototype
Credit line
Given by Robert Welch
Object history
Acquisition RF: 65/2538
Gift of Robert Welch, The Mill, Chipping Campden, Glos.

This early design by Robert Welch was first realised as a brass prototype which he made in his workshop in Chipping Campden. Derrett Lost Wax Casting of Droitwich subsequently developed a production model in 1958 using the lost wax casting technique. This nutcracker was initially designed for sale in the gift shop of the SS Oriana and was subsequently made generally available. It has a production run from 1961 to 1975.
Association
Summary
One of the biggest single commissions given to Robert Welch was to design the tableware for the Orient liner SS Oriana (1960-86). This was designed and manufactured between 1958 and 1960. When Sir Colin Anderson was chairman, the Orient Line developed an enlightened design policy. It employed some of the best and most innovative designers and architects of the day to construct and fit out its ships. To be awarded a commission by Anderson was an accolade in itself.
Associated object
CIRC.408-1960 (Series)
Bibliographic reference
Charlotte and Peter Fiell, Robert Welch, Design: Craft and Industry, London, Laurence King Publishing, 2015. pp.70-71. ill. ISBN: 978178676050.
Collection
Accession number
CIRC.644-1965

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Record createdMarch 3, 2004
Record URL
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