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G M Ellwood for J S Henry. A fine exhibition quality 'New Art' Arts and Crafts display cabinet.
A well executed design with such fine attention to detail, twin triangular display cabinets to the upper and lower sections the upper with lead and glass windows depicting Ellwood's particular stylised touch to the classic Glasgow rose, each with brass squares to the centre's, all in clear glass enclosing beautifully lined display areas. To the upper centre is a precisely carved, elongated stylised flower, which is Art Nouveau in its form.
The Serpentine shape evolving from a pair of curving drawers which are beautifully inlaid with stylised flowing details to each side of the brass toggle drop handles with a narrow full length brass back plates.
The triangular design is softened by it's central curves and continues below with two larger triangular display cases with shelves. The base section has a shaped apron pierced with four circles, joining five flat facing legs, united by four lower stretchers, all with three uniting uprights, each end has a single shaped un-pierced apron and lower stretchers.
George Montague Ellwood (1875-1955) Artist, Designer and Interior Decorator was born in 1875 and educated at Holloway Art School and later studied in Paris, Berlin, Dresden and Vienna and at Camden School of Art from 1916 to 1924. In 1897 he won the gold medal for his furniture designs at the National Competition, South Kensington. He was one of the founding members of the 'Guild of Art Craftsmen', Ellwood's designs for J S Henry were exhibited at the 1900 Paris Exhibition and won a silver medal, one of two the firm were awarded. He exhibited at a number of venues between 1899 and 1915, including four times at the Royal Academy.
Ellwood also worked for Bath Cabinetmakers and the Bristol based firm of Trapnell and Gane. He later traded as Ellwood and Sledmere (late with J.S. Henry Ltd) at 53 Mortimer Street, London. and designed posters for the London Underground Group between 1912 and 1914 now displayed at The Transport Museum. He became editor of Drawing and Design Journal and in later years continuing his life's work he wrote several knowledgeable books on drawing and design and also advertising.
The last two images are from Jeremy Coopers, Victorian and Edwardian Furniture and Interiors, page 303.
