An exceptional George III Neo Classical Wine/Water Ewer made in London in 1778 by John Schofield.
An exceptional George III Neo Classical Wine/Water Ewer made in London in 1778 by John Schofield.
375460
The Jug is of the finest quality in both design and production and is modelled in the Neo Classical tradition. This piece stands on a square platform which rises to a circular foot decorated with laurel garlands. The foot rises to a vase shaped main body decorated with a wide band of acanthus spears and which displays a beaded rim where it meets the incuse neck. The upper rim is also decorated with applied beading and the domed cover terminated in a bud finial below a band of acanthus spears. The fruit wood handle is attached to silver tubular sockets and acanthus leaf mouldings where they are attached to the main body. The front also displays a contemporary Armorial, surrounded by a raised laurel leaf cartouche. The Arms are surmounted by a contemporary Crest. The Jug is in quite excellent condition and is fully marked in the foot and with the maker's mark and sterling mark on the underside of the cover. The Armorial is that of Birch as used by the family in Staffordshire and at Wrotham in Norfolk. This appears to be quite a large family (there is a pedigree in West Sussex Record Office).
The quality of design and production is very fine, as would be expected from this silversmith who was patronised by George III and the Prince of Wales, later George IV, when furnishing Carlton House on the Mall. Either on his own, or in partnership with Robert Jones, his work is exceptional. A.G. Grimwade in "London Goldsmiths 1697-1837", states that " In his candlesticks and candelabra Schofield displays a high degree of elegant design executed with impeccable craftsmanship, which rivals at best the contemporary French goldsmith, Henri Auguste. It was perhaps the restrained taste of the period that prevented Schofield from displaying a virtuosity which might well have given him a reputation equal with Lamerie or Storr . No one could mount glass better, as is shown by his cruet in the Rotch Collection (Victoria & Albert Museum). It seems likely that he also worked for Jeffrey's, Jones and Gilbert, the then Royal goldsmiths, and that he may have made considerable commissions for Carlton House".
Height, to the top of the handle: 12.5 inches, 31.25 cm.
Diameter at the widest point: 5.25 inches, 13.13 cm.
Weight: 31 oz.
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. The quality of design and production is very fine, as would be expected from this silversmith who was patronised by George III and the Prince of Wales, later George IV, when furnishing Carlton House on the Mall. Either on his own, or in partnership with Robert Jones, his work is exceptional. A.G. Grimwade in "London Goldsmiths 1697-1837", states that " In his candlesticks and candelabra Schofield displays a high degree of elegant design executed with impeccable craftsmanship, which rivals at best the contemporary French goldsmith, Henri Auguste. It was perhaps the restrained taste of the period that prevented Schofield from displaying a virtuosity which might well have given him a reputation equal with Lamerie or Storr . No one could mount glass better, as is shown by his cruet in the Rotch Collection (Victoria & Albert Museum). It seems likely that he also worked for Jeffrey's, Jones and Gilbert, the then Royal goldsmiths, and that he may have made considerable commissions for Carlton House". Height, to the top of the handle: 12.5 inches, 31.25 cm.Diameter at the widest point: 5.25 inches, 13.13 cm.Weight: 31 oz. ){kind=link}