Spoon — Decorative spoon depicting Apollo dancing, England, about 1903
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
about 1903
Spoon in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (museum number A.97-1936), made in England, dated about 1903, attributed to Gilbert, Alfred (Sir). The museum's brief description reads: Spoon, wax and wood, depicting Apollo dancing, by Sir Alfred Gilbert, English, probably ca. 1903. Museum description: Decorative spoon depicting Apollo dancing. A short-stemmed spoon of laquered and painted wood forms the bowl and stem. A figure of Apollo dancing, holding a lyre in his left hand is modelled in wax upon foundations of wire and split cane, The bowl is outlined with an orange/ gold lacquer with a design of six painted geomentric sunburst motifs, in a rought circle around the inner bowl; a v-shaped design is painted in the centre of the bowl. The museum records it as Wax and other materials applied to a wood caddy spoon, measuring Height 24.5 cm. These details come from the museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
This is one of a set of five decorative spoons made by Sir Alfred Gilbert probably around 1903 and they were amongst items left in the artist's studio in Kensington Palace at the time of his death in 1934. The lacquered wooden ladles are Japanese and painted in geometric designs. Dorment suggested they might have been purchased at Liberty's indicating that Gilbert was attracted to the decoration of objects, quite apart from any intention to realise them in silver. This would have pointed to a production date of ca. 1930. However they may date from an earlier period. Gilbert's early interest in intricate working is mentioned in an interview in the 'Easter Art Annual' of 1903. There is also an article of Hatton which includes an illustration showing sketch models for various objects, including spoons. Gilbert's passion for designing keys and spoons dates from the early 1890s. Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) was a famous British sculptor of the late 19th century. He was also medallist, goldsmith and draughtsman. He was known for his inventiveness and characteristically used many different materials in the same work. He epitomised the movement known as the “New Sculpture”, with a new focus on naturalistic forms. His many commissions included for example the celebrated figure of Eros, part of the Shaftsbury memorial.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- wax, wood
- Dimensions
- Height 24.5 cm
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Wax and other materials applied to a wood caddy spoon
- Maker recorded
- Gilbert, Alfred (Sir)
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Museum object name
- Spoon
- Museum object number
- A.97-1936
- Museum system number
- O347700
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and catalogue references against a specialist reference.