Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

For information you'd like to share - Post it here - not for questions
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

A 1902 article regarding Cymric metalwork that appeared in 'The Magazine of Art'. This article was probably published to coincide with the opening of Liberty & Co.'s new shop at 154, Regent Street.


"CYMRIC" METAL-WORK

By AYMER VALLANCE

Image

IN these latter, jaded days of the world a genuine novelty in art manufacture is both rare and refreshing; such, indeed (despite the fact that the Guild of Handicraft has for some years past been producing work which seems to possess not dissimilar properties), Messrs. Liberty's "Cymric" silver ware claims to be. In this case, unlike the ordinary commercial silver-work, the metal is not burnished, save only here and there where the process has a special value in bringing out the lustrous beauty of some particular decorative detail. Abandoning thus the conventional methods, the makers rely on their silver commending itself by originality of design coupled with the natural and undisguised evidences of literal handiwork. So treated, there can be no question that the hammered metal possesses a charm and individuality all its own. As to the design, it is in many instances of singular beauty, in others it presents inuoh the fortuitous appearance of Japanese ornament. Again, it is not, for the most part, mere trinkets–needless, if ornamental, luxuries–that are now produced, but objects of really practical utility–such asfor the dinner table or the toilet. Admitted that we cannot dispense with such things as spoons or hair-brushes, for instance, and that every one of these objects must have a certain form, either pleasing to the eye or displeasing, what nobler office can art be called upon to fulfil than the beautifying of such common utensils, which by the very frequency of their employment must needs prove to their users a source of ever-recurring happiness–or the reverse, as the case may be?

Image

To specify only a few of the more notable examples, the "Hapi" design pepper-castor is the embodiment of stability, with a projecting foot, while a band of growing floral ornament round the base of the cylinder lends a rich but dignified aspect to the whole. As regards spoons, whereas the general tendency is to elongate and point the bowl in an ugly, egg-shaped fashion, the "Cymric" spoons on the contrary without being in any sense reproductions of antique work, yet revert to the more graceful oval or circular form of old examples. There is ample scope for the exercise of decorative invention in the handles of table furniture; and it is a wonder that silversmiths systematically neglect this useful branch of industry to content themselves instead with a surfeit of so-called "fancy" goods, which are mere useless superfluities. As good examples of genuinely organic design, the "Romany" bowl and "Abouthis" vase may be named : the former with an ingenious connection of the rim with the upper part of its four legs; the latter with its handles extending downwards to the body, and at the junction spread out into a handsome shield-like device. Somewhat similar in conception is the "Iona" powder-box, the body of which, supported on four legs and hollowed into curved shoulders, makes a very elegant outline. Of smaller articles, several waist-clasps display considerable taste; albeit they are wofully victimised by the hall-mark being stamped conspicuously on the face.

Image

If the authorities insist on treating works of art in this barbarous fashion, surely the distinction of an official cachet is not worth the sacrifice it involves, and it would be a wiser plan to forego it altogether. A few specimens of gold brooches show how successfully the same principle of design and workmanship as that of "Cymric" silver can be applied to the more precious metal.


Image

Source: The Magazine of Art - Volume 26 - Edited by Marion Harry Spielmann - 1902

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dognose »

An article from 1900 that compares Liberty's Cymric to Gorham's Martele:

The American exhibitors at the Paris Exposition gave the craftsmen of the Old World a new insight into the work that was being done on this side of the Atlantic. It was evident from the quantity and quality of the work displayed that a slightly new departure had been attempted. Hitherto, work of this kind in this country had a European reputation for its imitativeness, and for being imitative in the most inartistic fashion, since the inventive facility of the Yankee was applied to the making of the machinery which should attempt to reproduce ad lib. that which rightly belonged to a single mind and a single pair of hands. Now, this personal element in all art work is beginning to be appreciated here, and there are arising, not only individual workers, but associations of workers, who are attempting to plant a right taste and a genuine feeling in matters of decoration. Among these latter, The Gorham Manufacturing Company take a distinguished place. Originally founded in the town of Providence in 1831, the firm has grown until now it takes rank with the great silversmith shops of London, Paris, and Vienna.


Image

We are drawn to a consideration of their work by the fact that they have just opened a small exhibition at their New York house of martele silver-work. The samples we reproduce here do not quite convey the beauty of the effect the original pieces give. The finish is not bright, but a dull gray, reminding us somewhat of the new silverware made by Liberty & Co., of London, which they call Cymric silver. But, whereas the Cymric silver confines itself to the simpler forms and ornaments which belong to the name, the Gorham martele work is highly wrought with ornament, taking on an appearance that might place it in silver-work in the same rank that the furniture of the Louis XV. period holds in meubleerie. There is the same richness of ornamentation, which is devoted to flowers and their decorative treatment; there is also the same abandon in form treatment, so expressive of the gayety of the French temperament. We wonder how this martele work would show in the severer forms characteristic of the English and New English tastes.


Image

The tankard and the coffee urn are two samples in which the designer seems to have let himself loose, so to speak. There is no denying the charm of the result; and as they appeal to the rich, who are supposed to be happy because they are not poor, they fitly embody the gay spirit of the happy. The firm has also produced a fine punch-bowl and ladle, a very handsome tureen, and a heavily decorated candelabrum of the Pompeiian-Greek order. All have the same characteristics, and show an achievement at once gratifying and hopeful.


Source: The International Studio - Volumes 12-13 - 1900

Trev.
dragonflywink
co-admin
Posts: 2492
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:42 am
Location: Orlando, Florida
Contact:

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dragonflywink »

Some bits and pieces from my files:

1902 excerpt from article in a ladies magazine:
Image

1902 ad for Coronation Souvenirs:
Image

1905 ad from a Montreal retailer:
Image

and another from the same year:
Image

~Cheryl
dragonflywink
co-admin
Posts: 2492
Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 10:42 am
Location: Orlando, Florida
Contact:

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dragonflywink »

1908 ads from a Wellington, New Zealand retailer:

Image

Image

Image

Image

~Cheryl
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co.Ltd. - London - 1902

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1900

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co.Ltd. - London - 1902

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1902

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver

Post by dognose »

Enamelled Cymric buttons by Liberty & Co.:

Image

Image

Image
CYMRIC

Image
L&Co - Birmingham - 1902

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver and Tudric Pewter

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1902

TUDRIC PEWTER

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver and Tudric Pewter

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1900

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver and Tudric Pewter

Post by dognose »

Enamelled spoons by David Andersen, retailed by Liberty & Co.:

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image
NORWAY

Image
NORWAY

Image

Image

Image
Birmingham - 1897

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1881

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1881

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

LIBERTY, Arthur Lasenby. D.L.; J.P.; and C.C. (Bucks.); High Sheriff of Bucks (1899-1900). Born at Chesham on August 13, 1843. Educated at University School, Nottingham. Entered business in 1859 as assistant with Mr. John Weeks, of Baker Street, London. In 1862 became manager of Rogers' Oriental Warehouse, of Regent Street, London, and in 1875 commenced business on his own account at 218a, Regent-street, London, in Eastern Goods, supplemented by specialities of his own invention and introduction for dress and furniture, and since generally known as the "Liberty Fabrics." Is now chairman of Liberty and Co., Limited, of London and Paris. Member of Devonshire and Odd Volumes Clubs; Royal Institution; Royal Historical Society; Royal Statistical Society; Imperial Institute; Asiatic Society (of Japan); Japan Society (council); Silk Association of Great Britain and Ireland (vice-president); and council of the "Applied Art Section" of the Society of Arts. Has exercised a dominant influence in the "Æsthetic movement," the revival of the British Silk Industries, and (what is now termed "L'Art Nouveau ") the revival of artistic colourings and designs as applied to textile fabries, furniture, and interior household decorations. Business address: Chesham House, Regent-street, London. Residence: The Lee Manor, near Great Missenden, Bucks.

Source: Men of Note in Finance and Commerce: With which is Incorporated Men of Office. A Biographical Business Directory - Herbert Henry Bassett - 1901

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

CHRISTMAS AT LIBERTY'S


Image


.........and the same may truly be said of the firm's beautiful silverwork, the designs of which are quite unique. From among these will be found the hammered silver buckle at 12s. 6d., an ideal gift for girl and woman, as is the little silver match box with inlaid enamel decorative design at 10s. 6d. for the Benedick or bachelor, unless one of the many artistic cigarette or card cases in the same work is preferred by purchasers.


Source: The Sphere - 12th December 1908

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

An advertisement from Wenley & Son of Chelmsford, Essex, stating that they are sole agents for Liberty & Company:

Image
Wenley & Son - Chelmsford - 1893

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

Image
Liberty and Co. - London - 1908

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

Cymric silver is one of the artistic novelities that make an unusually strong appeal to the weary seeker after something new as a Christmas or wedding gift. The danger of adding to a long suffering bride’s duplicates of candlesticks or bonbon dishes does not threaten, if specimens of Cymric silver are presented, because every piece of it is made by hand, and no pattern of anything, from a saltspoon to a punch bowl, is copied but twice.

After the second reproduction of a good design is made the model is destroyed and the small force of skilled workmen who originate and execute each article can only produce a limited number of ornaments and utensils every month.

Cymric silver was brought out by a firm of London silversmiths. The first patterns of it were designed and made by some clever young men in their employ, who followed the models of a few ancient bits of Welsh silver they had seen in a museum.

So charming were the results they elaborated from their Welsh models, and with such favor were their specimens of wholly hand made work received that nowadays, along with Lalique jewelry and opalescent glass, it ranks as an artistic achievement of the very highest order.

Implements and ornaments for the table and a few buckles, clasps, chains, rings and desk furnishings are all these accomplished young smiths produce. The silver itself in which they work is first treated by a secret process in order to give it the color they desire, for tints of green, or almost golden yellow, coppery red, or an antique lustre is but the metal itself, and much of it is decorated by the inserting of colored stones, by light etching or by enamel.

The stones are set in the larger pieces, and moonstones, coral, agates, pink and white topaz and garnets are utilised for this purpose in the decoration of sugar bowls, ice dishes, bread and cake platters, fruit baskets and coffee and teapots and punch bowls. Polished pebbles picked up on the seashore are often frequently employed in the decoration of fruit baskets and nut trays.

Welsh onyx and agate taken from the rock of that rugged little country have been found especially effective in the ornamentation of long-necked silver vases, fat flower bowls and splendid desk implements.

To the bride who has a pretty taste in things artistic nothing is more acceptable, for instance, than a set of Cymric silver soup, dessert, or coffee spoons. Sets of spoons are not highly regarded by the producers of Cymric silver, since they complain that in handicraft it is well nigh impossible to produce any two spoons exactly alike.

This very irregularity running through the half, or full dozen spoons, is what adds infinitely to their charm, when furthermore the donor of the set sends with them the original design from which they were made, beautifully drawn in vellum.

The possession of the design not only implies a liberal expenditure on the part of the friend who presents the gift, but insures the bride against any possible duplication of the splendid contribution to her silver chest.


Source: The Jersey City News - 18th December 1901

Trev.
dognose
Site Admin
Posts: 59003
Joined: Thu Dec 29, 2005 12:53 pm
Location: England

Re: Liberty's Cymric Silver, Tudric Pewter and Other Information

Post by dognose »

An advertisement from W.H. Davis & Co. of Boston, mentioning 'Cymric Silver Jewelry from Liberty & Co.' and also stating that they are agents for Liberty & Co.:

Image
W.H. Davis & Co. - Boston, Mass. - 1904


Trev.
Post Reply

Return to “Contributors' Notes”