The Arts & Crafts Movement Collections at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.
I was recently comissioned to make some touch boards based on four of the significant pieces
of Arts & Crafts furniture in the museums collection.
These will be both wall and plinth mounted in the gallery, adjacent to the original works
so that visitors can touch and feel the tactile qualities of the materials used, whilst
at the same time preserving the original pieces for future generations.
CFA Voysey (1857-1941) Kelmscott Chaucer Cabinet.
English oak with Voysey's 'Kelmscott' design cut through a polished brass plate,
the
lettering backed with red cow hide. Cast flowerheads with forged stems.
Ernest Gimson (1864-1919) Parquetry Cabinet.
Parquetry (geometric marquetry) veneered panel of black ebony, white holly
and brown English walnut, within an ebony frame.
Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926) Hayrake Table.
English oak with centre joint reinforced with the decorative wedged
double dovetail / butterfly joints. Chip carved decoration to the edges.
Peter van der Waals (1870-1937) Playne Memorial Cabinet.
Figured English walnut raised and fielded panel, set within a moulded frame.
This is decorated with raised and rounded cushions of macassar ebony,
and black and white quadrant stringing of ebony and holly.
Commissioning furniture.
Each piece of furniture, metalwork or lighting I make is based on an individual Arts & Crafts designer's style.
Whilst I often make replicas, sometimes something a little different is required.
Commissioning a piece of furniture from me is not a difficult process,
and can be looked upon as additional enjoyment to the owning of the finished article.
The basic procedure is quite simple as follows:
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Firstly contact me with your requirements, for example, you would like to own a Voysey chair,
how much would it cost and how long would it take to make?
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I will then respond with a costing and give an idea of when you could take delivery,
this will depend on my other work commitments at that time.
We can then discuss details, for example rush or traditionally upholstered seat, colour of leather etc.
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Then if you would like to proceed with placing an order, an initial payment is paid, and a confirmation of order letter is sent by return. When I am about to start making your order a further payment is made.
I then make the item keeping you informed of it's progress.
When it is ready the balance is then paid and the item is collected or delivered, on time.
Figured English oak, brown oak and English walnut are the woods mostly used, often featuring intricate inlays of 4000 year old bog oak, holly and fruit woods.
Special hand forged brass, steel and silver fittings are often incorporated, in keeping with the particular pieces
being made. Stained glass and decorative leather work can also be undertaken in my workshop.
My furniture has an oiled and waxed finish.
THE CHRISTOPHER VICKERS TOUCHMARK
A SIGN OF TRADITION AND QUALITY
Initially conceived to distinguish my Metalwork
designs from earlier Arts & Crafts designers work,
it is now
used on all my work.
The use of the partitioned heart to contain
initials was inspired by WR Lethaby's personal bookplate design.
It was Lethaby who introduced Ernest W Gimson to the delights
of early domestic metalwork and it is
Gimson's and CFA Voysey's
designs that inspire me to design and make in this tradition.
The heart motif also of course being synonymous
with the Arts & Crafts Movement and used particularly by
Voysey
and MH Baillie-Scott. It was a plasterwork fire surround, designed
by Baillie-Scott with a flower growing from a heart that inspired
the finishing touch.
It seems entirely appropriate, as this
is where the best designs originate.
As well as making to order a selection of items are kept in stock;
these are available to purchase and are shown on this website with a price.
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