Oscar Wilde once described Liberty as "the chosen resort of the artistic shopper," and a glance at Liberty's Tudric designs confirms just that.
Arthur Lazenby Liberty opened his eponymous department store in 1875, aiming to import and sell fine oriental silks and fabrics. Within years, the unique and exotic style of the store had ensured a great success, and Liberty looked to other product ranges to continue to build the 'Liberty Style.'
Liberty's 'Cymric' line of silver and jewellery was launched in 1899, the idea being that the best designers of the day would help to create a range of Arts & Crafts style pieces to retail in-store. These ranges were highly popular, and a few years later in 1903 the 'Tudric' collection was launched. The 'Tudric' collection was made in pewter to make the 'Liberty Style' more affordable. As with the silver collection, pieces were machine-made but hand-finished as a homage to the Arts & Crafts style that the pieces portrayed.
Tudric ware comprised objects such as clocks, vases, pitchers, candlesticks, bowls, jugs, tea caddies, tea sets, salvers, frames, boxes, trays and countless other designs. Much of the collection is detailed with the distinctive Liberty enamel work, whilst others are set with gemstones and hardstones such as turquoise and jade. Mostly designed by Archibald Knox, as well as other famed makers of the day, and manufactured both in London and in Birmingham by W.H.Haseler, each piece is signed Tudric and Liberty with the pattern number also present.
Liberty Tudric ware sells extremely well at auctions, with collectors and the public alike appreciating the timeless 'Liberty Style.'
Please contact Liz Bailey on 01270 623878 liz@peterwilson.co.uk or click the link to consign.
