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Architectural Panelling

1680-1730 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

In the 19th century there was a widespread enthusiasm for the decoration of earlier centuries and particularly for panelled room. Old room were renovated and re-installed (sometimes enlarged with new carving) and wholly new reproductions were made. Designers and carvers valued pieces of old carving, such as this one, as good models for new work. This piece is one of several hundred carvings given to the Museum in 1921 by Sir Charles Allom and his wife, in memory of their son, who died in the First World War. From 1893 Sir Charles headed White Allom & Co., one of the most successful firms of architectural decorators in Britain, specialising in the copying of historic styles. Between 1900 and 1914 he also began to work for clients in the United States and after the First World War he spent time in both countries. The collection of carvings seems to have been put together as a study collection for his son, perhaps in the expectation that he would follow in his father's footsteps and take over the firm.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Carved oak, originally painted
Brief description
Section from the head of a framing element from a scheme of architectural panelling, of oak, carved in high relief with a shallow arch, centreing on a scrolled device, below a gadrooned upper moulding
Physical description
Section from the head of a framing element from a scheme of architectural panelling, of oak, carved in high relief with a shallow arch, centreing on a scrolled device, below a gadrooned upper moulding
Dimensions
  • Height: 33cm
  • Width: 169cm
  • Depth: 16cm
Dimensions checked on object in store 1990s and noted on record photo taken at that time
Credit line
Given by Sir Charles and Lady Allom in memory of their son, Lieutenant Cedric Allom RFA
Summary
In the 19th century there was a widespread enthusiasm for the decoration of earlier centuries and particularly for panelled room. Old room were renovated and re-installed (sometimes enlarged with new carving) and wholly new reproductions were made. Designers and carvers valued pieces of old carving, such as this one, as good models for new work. This piece is one of several hundred carvings given to the Museum in 1921 by Sir Charles Allom and his wife, in memory of their son, who died in the First World War. From 1893 Sir Charles headed White Allom & Co., one of the most successful firms of architectural decorators in Britain, specialising in the copying of historic styles. Between 1900 and 1914 he also began to work for clients in the United States and after the First World War he spent time in both countries. The collection of carvings seems to have been put together as a study collection for his son, perhaps in the expectation that he would follow in his father's footsteps and take over the firm.
Collection
Accession number
W.546-1921

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
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