Henry Wilson (1864-1934). An Arts & Crafts silver, enamel and turquoise necklace, attributed to...

Henry Wilson (1864-1934). An Arts & Crafts silver, enamel and turquoise necklace, attributed to Henry Wilson, the central oval plaque with relief stag to and blue and green enamel ground, within twisted wire border, suspending a turquoise cabochon trefoil drop, to trace link swag chain and hook clasp, unmarked, length 42cm

Cf. 'Artists' Jewellery, Pre-Raphaelite to Arts and Crafts', C. Gere & G. Munn, Woodbridge, 1989 pages 172-174 for designs, pendant and brooch by Henry Wilson featuring a stag motif

Provenance: a private London collection

Henry Wilson was born in West Derby, near Liverpool, England on 12th March 1964. Having studied at Kidderminster School of Art, Westminster School of Art and the Royal College of Art in London; he began his career as Chief Assistant to the Gothic revival architect J.D Sedding. As his career progressed, he was increasingly drawn to the associated arts. From 1901 he taught metalwork at the Royal College of Arts and Central School of Arts and Crafts. By 1903 he had published a practical manual Silverwork and Jewellery, detailing his entire working process from initial sketches to notes on how stones should be fixed. His later positions as Master of the Art Workers Guild in 1917 and President of the Arts and Crafts exhibition society from 1915 to 1922 cemented his significance in early-twentieth century design and education.
His metalwork and jewellery pieces echo mediaeval styles, deliberately more modest than the extravagant jewels of Victorian high society. His individual style united influences from Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau with his own interpretation of traditional forms, symbols and nature. The product of such style is metalwork and jewellery which is rich in colour, texture and imagery.