Description
This is a scarce and fabulous hand-crafted c1900 British Art Nouveau / Arts and Crafts pendant necklace, in all original condition, which is attributed to Edgar Gilstrap Simpson. I have had a number of wonderful Simpson necklaces through my hands over the years and there are a number of features on this piece which point me firmly in his direction. His earlier designs were inspired by the sinuous lines of the Art Nouveau movement in the late 1890s (as with this piece). He later worked in the Glasgow Style and was recommended by Charles Rennie Mackintosh to complete work for Josef Hoffmann in Vienna, when Mackintosh was too busy to undertake the work himself. A number of his sketches (showing these ribbon-like features) are exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The shield shape of this pendant is typical for Simpson, as are the ribbon-like leaves running up each side of the design. It is a very neat and elegant design, with an Art Nouveau touch in the cluster of the top flower in the pendant. The abalone is sublime; colourful and eye-catching. I adore the way it has been carefully cut and then pinned with tiny rivets into the pendant. The way the looped wires are formed for the chains to attach to the pendant I have also seen before. The tiny leaves on the spacers, slim and with a central line also appear on at least one other Simpson necklace I found. The spacers are a beautiful touch, set with two of these distinctive leaves and with a trio of tiny silver berries in each.
The original shepherd’s crook fastener remains and the chains are all original too. In such pleasing condition, with patina. I have left it, as it adds depth to the foliate decoration. However, it is easily removed if you prefer to do so. It is a sleek and elegant necklace with clean lines and excellent execution. I would date it from the last years of the 1890s.
The pendant section measures approx 4.7cm in height by approx 3.3cm wide. The chain measures approx 41.5cm (16.25 inches) in length.
I shall send in a new necklace presentation box as the box in the images is for display only. Complimentary special delivery within the UK is included, as is express international courier for overseas destinations. Thank you.
