Description
A unique and beautifully designed Arts and Crafts necklace firmly attributed to Mary Thew (one of the Glasgow Girls) in the earlier years of the twentieth century. It is such a rare and spectacular piece, as the design so obviously references the shapes and motifs of the Glasgow School of Art of the early 1900s. It demonstrates also Mary’s unique silver knots wire work and placement of graduated silver balls to decorate the overall structure. It is a finely executed piece and the moonstones work exceptionally well in the design. It’s a beauty!
As Mary crafted each piece herself, you can be assured that this is a completely unique piece of work. The four main shapes set at the cardinal points I have not seen in her work before, however, they scream Glasgow School of Design and you can almost sense the influence of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh, Frances McNair and so on, in those four structures.
Everything is hand-crafted, including the original chains. I love the matching spacer, which is also set with a moonstone. There is a high degree of adularescence in the domed moonstones that can be seen in some of the images, so there are lovely flashes of blue as you move the necklace around. There is much fine detailing, Mary’s typical rope-work spirals, clusters of balls and singly positioned balls as well as fine rope-work detailing at the foot of the stones’ settings.
The chain is also finely crafted. There are short lengths of links and then a link where two large circles overlap each other. Those are alternately set with a silver ball. The chains culminate in a hand-crafted toggle fastener.
The necklace is in such pleasing condition, having clearly been well looked-after during her lifetime thus far. I am sure she will be off to her new home very soon, as you simply do not get a second chance at this-it is a unique piece which I think also highlights Mary’s love of the Glasgow Designs being produced by her fellow artists and designers in the early years of the 1900s. A super piece of art you can actually wear!
The drop section from the top of the spacer measures approx 7cm in height and the wearable length of the chain is approx 46cm (18 inches).
I shall send in a gift box by Special Delivery within the UK or else by International Express courier. Boxes in the images are for display only and are not included.
Ref:cyp
