Liberty gold and amethyst necklace designed by Archibald Knox
Date made: 1900-1904
Artist: Knox, Archibald
Description: A gold necklace with amethysts and blister pearls. The necklace was designed by Archibald Knox for the jewellery range at Liberty & Co. of London.
Knox left the island to teach in London between 1897 and 1912; during this period his association began with the London Department store Liberty & Co. which specialises in exclusive designs for an upmarket clientele. In 1899 Knox began designing for Liberty, particularly the new Celtic design work such as ‘Cymric’ and ‘Tudric’ range. As well as metalwork and jewellery, Knox designed terracotta garden ornaments, carpets, wallpaper and fabrics for Liberty.
Archibald Knox has been described as one of the most under-appreciated of British artists. His 'Times' obituary described him as - `An artist of poetical sensibilities, who had a very healthy influence upon the decorative art of his time.' He is noted for his work in many media: in metalwork, ceramics, fabric patterns and wallpaper designs, for landscape watercolours and for a very distinctive style of lettering. Knox's lettering, exemplified in his version of 'St Patrick's Hymn', was based on the interlace patterns found on the Scandinavian memorial stones in the Isle of Man. Extract from a biography written by Leslie Quilliam. ‘New Manx Worthies’ (2006). (With thanks to Culture Vannin as publishers of the book: Kelly, Dollin (general editor), ‘New Manx Worthies’, Manx Heritage Foundation/Culture Vannin, 2006, pp.277-9.)
Measurements: overall: 19 cm x 4 cm
Materials: metal: gold
Object name: necklace
Collection: Art Collection
ID number: 1984-0104
Subject tags : #MM100BEAUTIFULTHINGS