Composition Mould

MediumCompo (usually a combination of hide glue, pine rosin, chalk, and linseed oil); wood

DimensionsBase = 34 3/16" (L) x 7 1/8" (W) x 13/16" (T) and has 6 wood screw holes in the front face and evidence of a frame around the edges. Relief = 31 1/2" (L) x 5 1/8" (W) at the center x 9/16" (T) at the center clam shell.

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Elias Nassim

Object numberAF-X2023.3193

DescriptionIt is a long compo acanthus scroll scene with a large clam shell in the center. The repeat is acanthus leaf scroll ending in four tripartite leaves with berries. The clam shell at the center has 9 segments with an ionic shaped bottom piece. It is affixed to what appears to have been an old stair tread with the nosing ripped off. On the back face is old spanish brown paint and plaster residue with evidence of skirtboard ghosting on both ends. There are 13 wire nail holes on the back face. It is a flower and vine relief with a central clam shell motif.Label TextThis antique composition mould represents a trade that was practiced in Virginia during the Revolutionary period and into the 19th century. It depicts a common design found in upper class homes and public buildings. Composition was a substitute for more laboriously produced ornamental plaster and carved wood and stone.

It is thought that the Adam brothers (Robert Adam 1728-1792) and John Adam (1721-1792)) played a major role in the initial manufacture of composition ornament on a grand scale. The Adam style demanded a large amount of delicate low-relief ornament. These moulds are for the production of such ornament in plaster, or in composition, usually a combination of whiting, glue, rosin and oil. The finished ornament was used on furniture and other objects as well as in the decoration of rooms.