Item 469

A copper photograph frame made by the Potteries Guild of Cripples between 1902 and 1907.

A stunning example of the work of the Potteries Guild of Cripples which became the Duchess of Sutherland Cripples Guild in 1907. The Duchess of Sutherland began making metalwork in 1902 and it was directed by a lady called Mabel R. Newey. The early work was very much in the Glasgow style and they produced some beautiful and well made items. Things changed after the arrival of Francis Arthur Edwardes when the Duchess of Sutherland Cripples Guild was officially formed and the style of the work changed to copying of 17th/18th century silverware in the collections of Millicent’s wealthy friends. I’m lucky enough to have a rare early catalogue by the Potteries Guild of Cripples and I snap up their designs whenever I can.

This particular photograph frame appears in the catalogue (image attached). It has quite an Art Nouveau feel to the design which is hand planished all over and very well constructed with repousse details. There is a glass insert which is unlikely to be original to the piece.