1510
OFFICIAL DESCRIPTIVE AND ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE.
reticulated work which surrounds the interior of thecircle, and the perforated work forming the architecturalpart, out of which the top springs are produced hy “ saw-piercing,” or cutting out the metal with minute saws.The figures, having been previously all but finished, arealso attached hy soldering. The engraver adds the sur-face decoration, and the whole is finally polished hyfriction.]
Chalice and communion plate: the former silver-gilt,with enamels introduced; style early part of the 14thcentury.
[The howl of the chalice is formed out of a thin discof silver hy hammering ; the knop or swell in the centreof the stalk is also formed hy the same process; the ex-ternal diameter of the foot, by several circles being turnedin a lathe, after which they are cut into portions of circles,and when fitted to the required form soldered together.The roughness consequent thereon being removed, andthe several inaccuracies in form corrected, the engraverintroduces the subordinate lines and ornaments. The ena-meller applies his colours, and subjects the same to theaction of heat until fused : after which, the chalice is gilthy the amalgam process, which, for this purpose, is foundpreferable; it is then burnished with stone burnishers.The communion plate is also “raised” or “ beaten” up.
“Beaten work” differs from that produced by stamp-ing, which it much resembles in the economy with whicha variety of objects of different designs may be produced.Where a great number of similar character are required,they may be produced quicker by stamping ; but theyare all of one pattern, as is the steel “ die” or matrix intowhich the metal is forced. Steel dies are expensive, andeach change of pattern involves the production of a newdie, whereas the skilful hammerman varies his design byhis simple tools, aided by his taste and judgment. Itwas in the practice of this art that the ancient or middle-age workmen introduced that “infinite variety” whichmarks their existing labours, and makes them so valuablein comparison with much of what is now made.
The manufactory wherein the articles were produced,which form the subject of annotation, has arisen withinthe last fifteen years. A few years ago it was utterlyimpossible to have procured even the commonest articleof church furniture in any appropriate style. The ancientmodes of working in the various materials had been lost;ami the late A. W. Pugin left it upon record that, in thefirst object ever produced hy him in metal, viz. a hanginglam]), he was aided by an old German, a maker of jellymoulds, who was the only workman he could find suffi-ciently acquainted with the beaten mode of workingmetal to answer his purpose. The partial success of theexperiment led to increased exertions, until, finally, acomplete staff of workmen was organised (the origin ofthe manufactory now under consideration), who carriedon simultaneously glass-painting, the making of incisedbrasses, commas, and altar lights, railings, &c., thevessels used at the altar, formed of (he precious metals.Experiments were also made in the old methods of work-ing iron: enamelling, and other lost arts were revived.The result has been such that now upwards of 200 work-men are employed in the production of furnishings in themediicval style, suitable for the adornment of sacred orcivil edifices, domestic dwellings, &c.—W. C. A.]
“ J. Hardman and Co. (700, p. 568). Such of theproductions contributed by this firm as belong to Class 22are admirable in workmanship, and unrivalled for perfectdevelopment of the media'val design and taste in whichthey are executed. The designs have been for the most
part, it is understood, prepared by Mr. A. \V. 1’iigin, andreflect great credit on that gentleman; but the Jury aremore particularly impressed with the very perfect mannerin which Messrs. Ilardman have developed the artist’sconceptions. It evinces a skill in manipulation whichmight, they conceive, be exhibited to still greater advan-tage in brass-work of a more varied and ornate style thoumay be admissible in the particular species of medimvidart to which they have confined themselves.”— JuriesReports, p. 502.
“ John Ilardman and Co., Mcdiocval Court (552,p. 751), exhibit a rich collection of articles for churchuse, in silver, and in silver gilt and enamelled. Theyhave adopted the mediicval style. The workmanship isgood, bold, and well defined. Two large closets containthe communion-eujis, crosiers, monstrances, pyxes, andcrucifixes; for which the Jury award them the PrizeMedal.” (Awarded a Council Medal by Jury of Class 22.)— Juries’ lleports, Cl.. 23, p. 51C.
Ct, ass XXIX.
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURER.
44 Lkuciiaiis, William, 38 Piccadilly —Inventor andManufacturer.
Lady’s dressing-case, made of the finest walnut wood,mounted with massive pierced solid silver, enriched andfastened with gilt nobs and pins, in the medimval style;the interior fittings of chased silver and parcel gilt, t<>correspond; and an elegant looking-glass frame, fittedwith candle sconces and branches.
Despatch-box and writing-desk, of a new pattern, wit* 1registered lock.
Travelling tea equipage, for two persons.
Travelling bags, containing every requisite for ladiesand gentlemen, &c.— P. 791.— Plate 345.
“ Leuchars, W., 38 Piccadilly, London . (Class 29,No. 44, ]i. 791.) The silversmith’s work in the dressing"cases of Mr. Leuchars is well made, elegant, and solid-A lady’s dressing-case of walnut wood, mounted in tb®mediicval style, with pierced silver fittings, is particularlyto he remarked. The Jury award Mr. Leuchars the l’riz®Medal. ”— Juries’ lleports, Cl,. 23, p. 510.
“Leuchars, W., 38 Piccadilly. (Class 29, No. 4 4.p. 791.) Prize Medal (the same award by the Jury 1 ”Class 23) for various dressing and travelling cases, taste-fully designed and of excellent workmanship. The folio)'”ing are some of the articles deemed worthy of specie 1notice:—A lady’s dressing-case of walnut-tree, clamp®*:with pierced silver plates and comer-pieces in mediu'vajstyle, and fitted with a variety of silver-mounted toilet 1 ®bottles, with a looking-glass and candle-holders, the vnl"* -of which was stated to be 31)0?.; a very convenient sac-d®"voyage for a gentleman, in plain morocco; and a cy lindrie®*morocco case, containing a plate travelling tea equipag*’’including a tea-pot, an apparatus for boiling water, a”,knives and forks, the price of which is 18?.”— Jurieslleports, Cl. 29, p. 555.
136 Sanostkk, William & John, 140 1lei/cnt Street a” 1 *70 Cheupsuie —Manufacturers.
Parasols, covered with satin and guipure lace, el:ib°'rately embroidered, with elegantly-carved ivory handle' 8 ’inlaid with gold and enamelled.
Whips and canes, with unique and tasteful mount’m6“’in gold and silver. .
j. To these exhibitors is due the merit of the applicn 11 *’of alpaca to umbrellas and parasols, letters-patent Twhich were granted tothem in 1848. This materia 1made of a peculiar kind of wool, the produce of the alp 1 ”sheep, an animal having a long tine wool, resembling *hair of the Cashmere goat. Alpaca, during the last t*years, has been gradually coming into use as a substn*for silk in many articles, and is manufactured on a 'T 1 -extensive scale at Bradford and other places in Yorks!” 1