Images(3)

Basket

Dateca. 1765

Attributed to Allgood and Company [or Allgood, Davies, and Edwards]

Painted by Benjamin Barker

OriginWales, Pontypool

MediumJapanned tinned sheet iron ("Pontypool"); paint; gilding

DimensionsOL: 13 7/16"; OW: 12 1/16"; H (rim): 2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase, acquired in tribute to Rupert and Belinda Gentle

Object number2005-255

Description"Japanned" or painted tinned sheet iron basket: Oval basket with flat center and pierced sides, rim, and bail handle. Surface overall is painted with dark tortoiseshell ground; a border of gilt scrolls encircles center of basket; pierced elements overall also with gilding. Center of the basket painted in gray, black, white, gold, red, and blue with the coat of arms of Sir Hildebrand Jacob (ca. 1718-1790), 4th Baronets Bromley of Middlesex. Motto: "TANTUM IN SUPERBOS"Label TextThe heraldic arms ornamenting this bread basket have been attributed to Benjamin Barker, chief decorator during the third quarter of the eighteenth century at Allgood, Davies, and Edwards’ factory for the production of “Japanned” or painted tinned sheet iron wares in Pontypool, Wales. The coat of arms of Sir Hildebrand Jacob, 4th Baronet Bromley of Middlesex, is also found on a pierced rectangular tray belonging to the Newport Museum and Art Gallery in Newport, Wales, suggesting that such decorative metal wares were custom ordered in suites. Bread baskets from Pontypool, along with snuff boxes, kettles, and tea chests, were advertised weekly in the Bristol Journal in 1764 and 1765.Inscription(s)Center of basket painted with coat of arms of Sir Hildebrand Jacob (ca. 1718-1790), 4th Baronets Bromley of Middlesex, rendered in gray, black, white, gold, red, and blue. Motto: "TANTUM IN SUPERBOS"ProvenanceAcquired via auction from the estate of Belinda Gentle in a sale conducted of the furnishings of her home, The Manor House, Milton Lilbourne, Wiltshire, by Dreweatt Neate Auctioneers, September 14, 2005.