Description
What a gorgeously large hand-crafted Arts and Crafts brooch by Mary Thew (one of the Glasgow Girls)in the earlier years of the twentieth century. It demonstrates beautifully her unique silver wire work and placement of graduated silver balls to decorate the basic structure. To me, this piece is very in keeping with the Glasgow School of design work you see in other pieces of work, including the art work. It is a large piece with strong doubled wires separating the two detailed ends of the brooch. It does look sensational when worn.
As Mary crafted each piece herself, you can be assured that this is a completely unique piece of work. Mother-of-pearl has been used here, which I always think adds a softness of look to the silver, as well as lending a certain contemporary feel too. I love looking at the placement of those silver balls; some grouped together, others separated out singly. My observation here are the three singular balls leading from each decorated end down the beginning of the silver wires on each side. Although we see this commonality to each side, their placement is slightly different so that the asymmetrical look is still maintained. You have to love the Arts and Crafts’ ideals!
Each decorated end section measures a touch over 2cm in diameter and the total length of the brooch is approx 8.3cm so she makes a large Thew statement. (Please note the box is not included)
In such pleasing condition, both silver and stones, it has clearly been cosseted for many a year. Even the long pin is straight, which indicates very infrequent usage so I should imagine it has been in a collection and well looked-after.
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:cyoi
