Conservation Plan - Collections Gazetter June

Transcription

St Albans Museum Collection
Gazetteer 2015
By Jeremy Musson & Eleanor Rule, historic building consultants
for St Albans Town Hall, 2015
VERSION A002 | 25 JUNE 2015
“Objects which tell us more about the place we live...[and] tell stories about
how people in the past lived their lives”
– St Albans Museums policy document
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 5
SOCIAL HISTORY
Topographical prints
8
Salaman Collection
9
Costume10
Samplers 22
Crime and Punishment
23
Ephemera24
Photography27
FINE ART
Oil32
Watercolours
49
Prints & Drawings 54
ARCHAEOLOGY
Ceramic58
Metal63
Organic65
NATURAL HISTORY
Taxidermy 72
Malacology 74
Insects 75
Botany and Mycology
Fossils
Minerology and Petrology
Naturalists’ journals and specimens
76
77
78
79
Photographs of the objects in the St Albans Museums Collection are used with permission of St Albans Museums, Eleanor
Rule and Jeremy Musson
JEREMY MUSSON
Introduction to Gazetteer
A gazetteer is a key tool of a Conservation Plan in that it provides a survey of the heritage asset being
examined – in this case the museum collection of St Albans, and thus underlines the historic, aesthetic,
cultural, and communal significances which have already been outlined in the Conservation Plan. It is the
part of the process which defines most clearly in descriptive terms what the asset is. It is evident that the
museum collection is highly diverse and this is reflected in the Gazetteer.
This work has been prepared by buildings consultant Jeremy Musson and Eleanor Rule, drawing on the
expert reports provided by Stephen Somerville on fine art, Simon Moore on the Natural History and David
Viner on the Salaman Collection. These reports are given as appendices to the Conservation Plan.
This Gazetteer is a record of a proportion of the SAMS collection. Repeated items such as hats
and christening gowns have been grouped together and only key examples illustrated. For a more
comprehensive list of the collection, refer to the online catalogue on the St Albans Musuems’ website.
The objects from the collection documented here were inspected between January and May, 2015. The
notes on condition and location are therefore consistent with this period.
The Gazetteer has been broken down into the following categories:
Social History
•
Topographical prints
•
Salaman Collection
•
Costume
•
Samplers
•
Crime and Punishment
•
Photography
•
Ephemera
Fine Art
•
Oil
•
Watercolour
•
Drawings and Engravings
Archaeology
•
Organic Objects
•
Ceramic Objects
•
Metal Objects
•
Other
Natural History
•
Taxidermy
•
Malacology
•
Insects
•
Botany and Mycology
•
Fossils
•
Minerology and Petrology
•
Naturalists’ journals and specimens
St Albans Collections Gazetteer 2015 | 5
SOCIAL HISTORY
Gazetteer 2015
SOCIAL HISTORY
TOPOGRAPHICAL PRINTS
TOPOGRAPHIC AND CARTOGRAPHIC PRINTS
The St Albans Museum Collection includes cartographic and topographic material with a local focus. Maps of the local area are available for the public
to search through and this was picked up by the public consultation (which formed part of the research for the Conservation Plan) as a valuable
resource that allowed them to develop an understanding of the development of their city.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Lewis Evans Collection of Topographical Prints
Examples include a map of Hertford and the surrounding area of east Hertfordshire with Hertford marked in red and
green which is part of the Lewis Evans Collection shown below (2006.6401) and Steel engraving showing “Royston.
From the One Hill on the Heath.” which was published by John Warren, is undated and part of the Lewis Evans
Collection (2006.6389)
Lewis Evans was the son of Sir John Evans and brother of Sir Arthur Evans. Following his father in to the paper
making business, Lewis Evans also spent time developing his collection and was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical
Society and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.. Much of his collection relating to mathematics and Astronomy is
now displayed in the Museum of the History of Science in Oxford but the remainder of his collection of Hertfordshire
topographical prints and books is held by MoStA. This part of his collection was purchased in 1901, with the minutes
of the Annual Meeting of the Herts County Museum, on Wednesday, 22nd 1901, at 8.30 p.m noting that “Mr. Kitton
made a statement as to the subscription-list for the Lewis Evans Collection of Topographical Prints, and reported that
there was now only £22 needed to complete the required sum of £300”.
High local significance
MoStA archives
These prints are inherently fragile and as they are on paper, they are liable to be affected by light and moisture. With
acid free backing and appropriate display cases, they could be displayed in the future.
See catalogue entries for further items
Map of Hertford
8 | St Albans Collections Gazetteer 2015
SOCIAL HISTORY
RAPHAEL SALAMAN COLLECTION
This collection was acquired by the museum in 1971, it is an extensive collection of tools and manufacturers’ catalogues that was amassed over many
years from 400 workshops and tradesmen throughout Britain but particularly from Hertfordshire, Salaman’s home county. Salaman used the collection,
and other material, as the basis for his Dictionary of Woodworking Tools 1975, and Dictionary of Leatherworking Tools 1986, which are both recognised
as important research records today. Given the scale of this collection it is accepted that it contains duplicates and thus each tool when considered
individually may not be of national significance or rarity, however the Salaman Collection as a whole is of national significance, as emphasized by David
Viner in his report (see Appendix). Below is a selection of the items that represents the scope of the collection, for a more comprehensive list please
refer to the St Albans Musuems website.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
1979.1563
Rectangular wooden butter mould with leaves and rose decoration and handle on back. Made of sycamore by Waide
& Sons. Length, 17.5cm.
The Salaman Collection as a whole is of very high significance. Consider as part of the whole collection for
Designation.
Sandridge Road store
SOCIAL HISTORY
SIGNIFICANCE
Butter Print
The condition of the Salaman collection is largely good, wooden objects such as this are generally in better condition
than those in metal and the potential for future display is good. The potential for telling a story through exhibition
that has a local focus is strong, especially in light of documentation and possible external interested parties.
See list of sources given in David Viner’s report
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Butter print
Salaman Tool Collection when it was on display at the
Museum of St Albans (now in store)
SOCIAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Pestle and Mortar
1979.1607 & 1979.1606
Large stone pestle and mortar associated with a veterinary practice Salaman number 120
Designation.
The condition of the Salaman collection is largely good. The potential for telling a story through exhibition that has a
local focus is strong, especially in light of documentation and possible external interested parties.
Mortar
Pestle
SOCIAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Brush makers hand shears
1984.4998
Metal hand shears in iron.
Designation.
Hatfield Road Museum
The condition of the Salaman collection is largely good and the potential for future display is good. The potential for
telling a story through exhibition that has a local focus is strong, especially in light of documentation and possible
external interested parties.
SOCIAL HISTORY
The Dictionary of Tools used in the Woodworking and allied trades, c 1700-1970, (1975)
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Brush makers hand shears
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
COSTUME
Hats – There are a number of good examples of hats, with a large quantity of straw hats and associated material (examples of straw plait, tools, moulds
and hat boxes).
The Straw Hat industry was very important in St Albans and Luton in particular in the nineteenth century. In 1881, the census for St Albans Abbey Parish
included over 500 people with links to the industry. Occupations mentioned in that census include Bleacher of Straw Plait, Bonnet Sewer, Clerk In Straw
Factory, Commercial Traveller Straw Hats, Hat & Bonnet Sewer, Straw Hat Stiffener, Straw Hat Trimmer, Straw Plaiter.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Straw hat
1980.2034
Straw hat with dark trim made in St Albans. Size 7 3/8th
Moderate
MoStA display, Hatfield Road
With preventative measures in place, this item and others like it could be used for future exhibitions.
For more information on the Straw Hat industry visit: http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/topics/t012strawhats.htm
WWII Hat
1998.5171
Hat: Felt women's uniform WRNS hat made by James Forsyth of St Albans, 1943 WW2
Some significance
With preventative measures in place, this item and others like it could be used for future exhibitions.
DOCUMENTATION
WWII Hat
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Bonnet
1979.2960
Bonnet of fine English plait, imitation Tuscan with original trimmings c1850-1870. Has faded blue ribbons with
matching lining and decorated with lace. Straw hat, girl’s lace trimmed with artificial flowers.
With preventative measures in place, this item and other textile items could be used for future exhibitions.
With preventative measures in place, this item and other textile items could be used for future exhibitions.
For a history of hat making in St Albans see: http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/occupations/straw-plait.
htm
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
Hat making materials and boxes
1980.2038 & 1980.2038
Assortment of materials and tools for making hats, in particular straw hats and boaters.
Examples of straw braids including cotton and senneck work, bent work, velvet on senneck work and straw, cordinet
on senneck work and senneck work on horsehair woof (1986.5458 - 1986.5471)
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Moderate
MoStA Hatfield Road display and Sandridge store
Good, these tools help to illustrate the story of the Straw plaiting and Hat making industries in St Albans and in
Hertfordshire especially when seen alongside other craft tools and finished examples of hats.
For a history of hat making in St Albans see: http://www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/occupations/straw-plait.
htm. For a good comprehensive account of the history of industrial St Albans see M. Fookes ‘Made in St Albans... ten
town trails” (1997)
ARCHAEOLOGY
DOCUMENTATION
FINE ART
Examples of hat boxes include Leather Hat Box with striped interior (1983.2622) containing hat (1983.2630) made by
W. Williams, London.
SIGNIFICANCE
SOCIAL HISTORY
For a good comprehensive account of the history of industrial St Albans see M. Fookes ‘Made in St Albans... ten town
trails” (1997)
NATURAL HISTORY
Bonnet
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Beaded dress, wedding dress 1911
2004.5056
This wedding dress worn by Charity N. Coleman (probably a misreading of M) at her marriage to Edward C. Elliott in
Malling, Kent and was donated by Mrs Fairweather (granddaughter of Charity) in 2001. It is a cream silk chiffon and
taffeta wedding dress. High neck. Fitted waist. Leg of mutton sleeves. Beaded pattern on yoke back and front and
hem. The veil is made of netting with silk thread embroidery, some of the original confetti remains
This has a good provenance and is of high significance given its local connections and documentation.
With some preventative conservation and careful handling this could be displayed in future. Environmental controls
would need to be in place for an extended period of display.
‘The Edwardian Wedding Dress’ paper by Museum staff on the provenance of the dress.
Wedding Dress
The bride wearing the dress on her wedding day 1911
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Bustle dress bodice
1986.13252
Bustle dress bodice. Skirt and top looks one piece when worn. Skirt ruched at back with gap for bussle or petticoat
underneath. Tight jacket has point at back. Two tone.
Moderate, more information on provenance would add interest to this item.
Costume/Social History Sandridge Road store
DOCUMENTATION
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
Examples of lace petticoats, neck edgings, caps and details
Example chosen for Gazetteer is 1986.14235
lace/textile, Dutch lace dress neck edging 1910 AD-1920 AD
Moderate
With some preventative conservation and careful handling these could be displayed in future.
DOCUMENTATION
FINE ART
DISPLAY
SOCIAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Bustle dress bodice
Lace-work neck edging
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
High waist dress
1986.13259
Silk brocade/textile. Gold with green and brown stripy design. leg of mutton long sleeves, off the shoulder. Dark
green velvet trimmed skirt and sleeves. Bodice boned. 1830 -1835.
An early example in good condition - Moderate significance
MoStA Sandridge Road Site
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Pagoda sleeved dress
1986.13260
1850 AD-1860 AD muslin/textile dress in White with blue horizontal stripes, starched muslin, under sleeves or net
edged with satin. High neck with handmade lace collar, matching ribbon appliqued.
An early example in good condition - Moderate significance
DOCUMENTATION
Pagoda sleeved dress
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
High waist dress
1986.13263
Silk/textile dress from 1910, Cream silk with hand embroidered french knots. Silk lining(whole dress). Satin belt
effect. 2 large fabric covered buttons and pointed satin collar.
Moderate/low
DOCUMENTATION
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
DISPLAY
Sequined jacket
1986.13265
Handmade sequined jacket, 1928 AD-1935 AD. silk crepe/textile, Black long sleeved bolero jacket, sequins across top
of sleeves. Handmade.
Moderate/low
FINE ART
USUAL LOCATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
DOCUMENTATION
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
1986.13266
Handmade long flared dress, silk crepe/textile, Black crepe full length dress with sequins across shoulder; sleeveless.
V necked, decorated with 2 buttons. 1928 AD-1935 AD
Moderate/low
DOCUMENTATION
NATURAL HISTORY
DISPLAY
Handmade flared dress
ARCHAEOLOGY
NAME/TITLE:
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
High waist dress
1986.13275
1880- 1900 black gown. Devore velvet with silk lining. Possibly with a wool or cotton lining in between the silk inner
and velvet outer fabric.
Moderate
DOCUMENTATION
High waist dress
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Embroidered waistcoat fronts
1986.13553
Silk fronts for waistcoat c.1730, embroidered with silver thread
Moderate
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Embroidered waistcoat front and details
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Collection of c.30 parasols
Various, where individual item discussed below, relevant Accession Numbers given.
The collection includes the following examples: carriage parasol with fringed shot silk cover and turned wooden
stick of 1845 AD-1850 AD (1987.7346) carriage parasol with knitted silk seamless fringed cover and wooden stick
(1987.7354). Tussore covered parasol with wooden hook handle (1987.7366), Carriage parasol with feather trimmed
satin cover and wooden stick (1987.7350)
Some
For more examples, please refer to the online catalogue
Parasol, 1987.7354
Parasol 1987.7366
Parasol 1987.7346
Parasol 1987.7350
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Collection of costumes used in the 1907 pageant.
2004.5241.1, 2004.5241.2
Examples in this collection of pageant costumes include a mock Tudor black silk headdress with beads and fake
pearls in headband (2004.5241.1). A black velvet Mock Tudor velvet dress with cream and gold panelling with
buttons, net around square shaped neckline and large short sleeves. (2004.5241.2)
High local significance for the town of St Albans and moderate/high significance as a collection
DOCUMENTATION
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
DISPLAY
Collection of children’s dresses and christening gowns.
One example 1978.1187
Child’s silk and lace dresses
Moderate/High – these items are not extremely rare but do represent good examples largely from the nineteenth
and twentieth centuries.
With some preventative conservation and careful handling these could be displayed in future. However they are
among the most delicate items in the collection and very vulnerable to environmental factors.
FINE ART
USUAL LOCATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
DOCUMENTATION
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Collection of children’s dresses and christening gowns.
SOCIAL HISTORY
COSTUME
SAMPLERS
Many of the examples held in the museum collection are from the eighteenth century and were given to or bought by the founders of the museum.
They are personal artefacts often produced by young girls as part of their education,
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Sample embroidery examples
Currently being added to the online catalogue, example below is 1980.2204
A collection of embroidery samplers. The example shown below is a sampler embroidered in gold and green showing
plants, butterflies and birds. Verse commencing ‘The Lord my pasture shall prepare’. Sampler created by Louisa
Barret aged 13, 1846
Strong local significance
Some of the samplers are in a very fragile condition and would need the attention of a specialist conservator. There
is some bleeding of colour and they would need to be stabilised prior to display.
DOCUMENTATION
One example of the collection of Samplers
SOCIAL HISTORY
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
A number of tipstaffs
Various including 1979.1961-1979.1968, 1979.1953 (shown below)
Collection of a number of truncheons, including those used in the Hertford Gaol. A tipstaff is type of rod used by high
ranking police officers or by officers appointed by the marshal of the king’s bench to attend upon the judges who are
responsible for taking prisoners in to custody.
Example from the collection: Two wooden tipstaffs. One with ridged handle and brass mounted cap with crown. The
other painted with VR 1939 and a crown
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DOCUMENTATION
The potential for future display is good and the condition of this and other crime and punishment items is good. In
the setting of the Town Hall and Court House especially, there are poignant stories with a local emphasis that could
be illustrated through these objects.
Catalogue
SOCIAL HISTORY
DISPLAY
Moderate
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
Truncheon (1979.1968)
NATURAL HISTORY
Selection of objects under the crime and punishment theme
SOCIAL HISTORY
EPHEMERA
EPHEMERA
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Tonbridge ware book mark
1979.1975
Book marker in lead pattern of Tunbridge Wells Wood.
Nice quality but generally low significance
Good
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Lace Crimper
1979.1973
Lace crimper used in the 19th century by Mary Clark at Water End, Great Gattesten, Z.700
Good quality and condition but low significance
Good
DOCUMENTATION
Tonbridge ware book mark
Lace Crimper
SOCIAL HISTORY
EPHEMERA
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
Verious, including 2008.5473-2008.5494, 2008.6544
There are several objects recording the history of Ballito. The badge pictured is an example of badges owned by
many St. Albans women during the Second World War. Before the war the Ballito Hosiery Mills made silk stockings.
When war broke out, it switched over to producing Oerlikon ammunition shells. The majority of people who worked
there at this time were women doing their bit for the war effort.
Some local significance
Various
Good
SOCIAL HISTORY
DISPLAY
Objects associated with Ballito
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Various, 1900.58716 (travelling knife sharpener cart) and 1900.58717 (fire engine)
This fire engine was used on the Gorhambury Estate
FINE ART
SIGNIFICANCE
Large objects, namely a knife grinder, fire engine and carts
Local historical significance
Various
Good
DOCUMENTATION
ARCHAEOLOGY
Knife grinder to the left and fire engine to the right.
NATURAL HISTORY
Ballito Badge
SOCIAL HISTORY
EPHEMERA
NAME/TITLE:
The Charter Chest
ACCESSION NO.
Not yet numbered
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
This chest is thought to date from the sixteenth century and was used by government officials to store important
documents and potentially royal charters
Good condition and strong local interest. High significance.
MoStA Hatfield Road display
Good
This has an old Accession no. showing that it was an early addition to the collection
Arthur Melbourne Cooper films
To be confirmed
Early films produced by Arthur Melbourne Cooper, a pioneer in early British filmmaking who established his own
studio in St Albans. These include ‘A Dream of Toyland’.
Good condition and strong local interest. High significance.
MoStA Hatfield Road display
Goo, with appropriate technology in place to display this.
http://www.eafa.org.uk/highlights/arthur-melbourne-cooper.aspx
The Charter Chest
SOCIAL HISTORY
EPHEMERA
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Needlecase
1988.2754
Needlecase made of bone in the form of umbrella with spy glass mounted in the handle showing photograph of
Abbey before restoration
Strong local interest
3340C/Sandridge Gate Store
Good if a solution on how to showcase the spyglass can be found
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Needlecase and view through spy glass hole
SOCIAL HISTORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Collection of photography
Various
The collection contains a large quantity of early photography. The majority is connected to St Albans and the local
areaand is a key resource for the public to research their local environment, streetscape and figures of prominence
in the area
Good quality and condition but only local significance
Archive Room, MoStA, Hatfield Road
Good
Monochrome photographic print on board. Portrait
of Thomas Kinder, mayor of St Albans in 1859.
2007.5465
Half tone reproduction of a photograph showing
The Fighting Cocks public house, St Albans.
2007.5465
SOCIAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Sixteenth Century Roundels
Various
A set of Tudor wooden roundels used for eating sweetmeats at a feast or banquet. The reverse of each roundel has
verses or riddles hand painted on as part of the entertainments.
Very high Significance
Good, this is a highlight of the collection
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
FINE ART
Gazetteer 2015
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
WORKS IN OIL
The collection at the Museum of St Albans holds around 40 works in oil by around 20 different named artists.
Many of these are noted in the online BBC archive ‘Your Paintings’: http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/paintings/search/belongs_to/st-albansmuseums-1178_collections#/search/belongs_to/st-albans-museums-1178_collections
The first considered here is the work of Francis (“Frank”) Owen Salisbury (1874 - 1962) born in Hertfordshire, an English artist who specialised in
portraits, large canvases of historical and ceremonial events, stained glass and book illustration. In his heyday he made a fortune on both sides of the
Atlantic and was known as “Britain’s Painter Laureate”.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Tales of Enchantment by Frank Salisbury
2003.5038
Depiction of his wife and children in his own home. Date painted: 1910, oil on canvas, 64 x 76 cm
Strong local interest, a work of some national significance
Archive store, MoStA
Condition is good, potential for future display is good.
Maurice Bradshaw, ‘Salisbury, Francis Owen (1874–1962)’, rev. Charles Noble, Oxford Dictionary of National
Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 2005
Benjamin Barber, The Art of Frank O. Salisbury, F. Lewis, 1936
Tales of Enchantment by Frank Salisbury
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Cardinal Wolsey (study for ‘Henry VII and Katherine of Aragon before the Consistory Court’)
1999.5568
A study for a mural. Painted 1910. Oil on canvas, 60.8 x 50.8 cm
A work of national significance
In good condition
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Portrait of Wolsey by Frank Salisbury
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Portrait of Ezra Denham (Mayor of St Albans) by Frank Salisbury
2005.5231
Ezra Denham was the Mayor of St Albans and a builder. This work is a sensitively drawn, impasto. See note above on
Frank Salisbury
Good
Portrait of Ezra Denham by Frank Salisbury
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Portrait of Second Lieutenant Frederick John (Eric) Freeman, (d.1916)
2003.5052
Portrait from a photograph painted after 1916. Oil on canvas, 132 x 83 cm
This does not represent Salisbury’s best work but has strong local historical interest and significance. See note above
on Frank Salisbury
Good
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Portrait of an officer killed in WWI by Frank Salisbury
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Henry George Moon, Landscape with St Albans Abbey and Study of St Albans from Sopwell Meadows
1999.5561, 2000.5079
Two local landscape scenes, oil on canvas, c.1900. Henry George Moon (1857 Barnet, Hertfordshire -1905 St Albans,
Hertfordshire), a landscape ad botanical painter.
There is some loss of paint and this damage will need conservation attention prior to display.
DOCUMENTATION
Landscape by Henry George Moon
Landscape by Henry George Moon
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Self-portrait by Henry Mitton Wilson
2007.5393
Early 1900s ‘tentative’ self portrait. Oil on canvas, 65 x 39 cm. Henry Mitton Wilson (1873-1923) active as an oil
painter. Not much is known, although numerous works can be traced to recent auctions.
In reasonable condition, suitable for display
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Self-portrait by Henry Mitton Wilson
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
The Clock Tower, St Albans by Henry Mitton Wilson
2005.5238
A painterly depiction of this local monument. Date painted: 1905. Oil on canvas, 61.3 x 51.2 cm. Henry Mitton Wilson
(1873-1923) active as an oil painter. Not much is known, although numerous works can be traced to recent auctions.
This painting is of local interest and significance due to its portrayal of the Clock Tower which is in the town centre.
Good, the local connection gives it strong potential to be part of a future exhibition
DOCUMENTATION
The Clock Tower, St Albans by Henry Mitton Wilson
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
View of clock tower by Henry Mitton Wilson
2005.5245
Oil on canvas, 63.5 x 38 cm
This painting is of local interest and significance due to its portrayal of the Clock Tower which is in the town centre.
Henry Mitton Wilson (1873-1923) active as an oil painter. Not much is known, although numerous works can be
traced to recent auctions.
Needs some conservation soon against flaking. Following conservation work, the local connection gives it strong
potential to be part of a future exhibition
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
View of clock tower by Henry Mitton Wilson
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
View of Fishpool Street by Henry Mitton Wilson
2005.5232
A painterly depiction of this local monument. Undated, oil on canvas, 51 x 61.5 cm. Henry Mitton Wilson (18731923) active as an oil painter. Not much is known, although numerous works can be traced to recent auctions.
This painting is of local interest and significance.
Good, the local connection would give interest in a future exhibition
DOCUMENTATION
View of Fishpool Street by Henry Mitton Wilson
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Morning Mist, by Henry Mitton Wilson
2005.5233
Morning Mist: Landscape at Tyttenhanger Lane painted c.1906, oil on canvas, 51 x 61 cm. Henry Mitton Wilson
(1873-1923) active as an oil painter. Not much is known, although numerous works can be traced to recent auctions.
This painting is of local interest and significance due to its portrayal of local scenes.
Good, the local connection would give interest in a future exhibition
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Morning Mist, by Henry Mitton Wilson
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
Unknown, attributed to D.Orme, possibly 1804. View of St Albans
2003.5032
View of St Albans showing mills to right, probably painted by an amateur hand.
Moderate significance, local historical interest
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Reasonable condition
DOCUMENTATION
To be confirmed
Unknown, D.Orme, 1804? View of st Albans
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
Portrait of Margaret Wix by Oswald Birley, 1949
2005.5240
DESCRIPTION
Wix was the first lady mayor, this painting has strong colour and character. Oil on canvas, 77.5 x 64 c. Birley was an
RA, who was also awarded the MC in the first world war; his works include portrait of the first Earl of Birkenhead in
the National Gallery; of King George V and Queen Mary for Windsor Castle; portraits of the Marquess of Reading,
Lord Irwin and the Marquess of Willingdon in the Viceroy’s House, New Delhi. He also painted Gandhi and Churchill,
SIGNIFICANCE
Birley was a painter of national reputation at the time and this contributes to the paintings significance. Strong local
interest given the sitter.
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
There is a slight dent to the canvas needing attention otherwise it would be suitable for display.
Robin Gibson, Birley, Sir Oswald Hornby Joseph (1880-1952), painter, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, 2004,
SOCIAL HISTORY
DOCUMENTATION
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Portrait of Margaret Wix by Oswald Birley, 1949
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Girls feeding chickens by Guerrino Guardabassa
2003.5033
Guerrino Guardabassa was an Italian artist (1841-1893). More information on the provenance would be interesting
and aid understanding. Oil on canvas, 55.7 x 33.1 cm
Of some significance, a work of some quality but with no known local connection
Good
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
German politics by S.Young
2005.5236
This work depicts two figures seated outside an inn. It is dated 1899. Little is known about the artist but the work is
of good quality. Date painted: 1899, oil on canvas, 54 x 35 cm
Of some significance, a work of some quality but with no known local connection
Good
DOCUMENTATION
Girls feeding chickens by Guerrino Guardabassa
German politics by S.Young
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Portrait of a Man (thought to be Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St Albans, 1670–1726)
1999.5564
Portrait of a Man. Date painted: 1690s. Oil on canvas, 123 x 99 cm (estimated)
High national significance
Good
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Portrait of a Man
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Tollgate in a Wood by John Westall
1999.5572
Date painted: 1856, oil on canvas, 56.5 x 63.7 cm
Of moderate significance
Good, although some surface crazing may need to be arrested.
DOCUMENTATION
Tollgate by John Westall
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
1900.57981
This was purchased in 1994. Louis Wain (1860-1939) studied at the West London School of Art, and also taught
there. He is best known as an illustrator of anthropomorphic cats, which were wildly popular in Victorian and
Edwardian England’; he spent time in the US as an illustrator for Hearst newspapers, and later suffered mental illness
and was an inmate of a St Albans’ asylum.
Wain is clearly of national repute, this is of high sinificance.
Good, this is a popular item in the connection
Heather Latimer The English Cat Artist - Louis Wain, Papyrus Publishers. 2002, Rodney Dale: Louis Wain: The Man
Who Drew Cats, William Kimber 1968, Kevin Nudd ‘Louis Wain’, Book and Magazine Collector, August 1992 No.101
SOCIAL HISTORY
DOCUMENTATION
Louis Wain, Tea party at Napsley
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Louis Wain, Tea party at Napsley
FINE ART
WORKS IN OIL
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Louis Wain, Head of a Cat
2009.5801
This work was purchased 2003. Louis Wain (1860-1939) studied at the West London School of Art, and also taught
there. He is best known as an illustrator of anthropomorphic cats, which were wildly popular in Victorian and
Edwardian England’; he spent time in the US as an illustrator for Hearst newspapers, and later suffered mental illness
and was an inmate of a St Albans’ asylum.
National significance
Good
Heather Latimer The English Cat Artist - Louis Wain, Papyrus Publishers. 2002, Rodney Dale: Louis Wain: The Man
Who Drew Cats, William Kimber 1968, Kevin Nudd @Louis Wain’, Book and Magazine Collector, August 1992 No.101
Louis Wain, Head of a cat
FINE ART
WORKS IN WATERCOLOUR
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Holmes Edwin Cornelius Winter, Lower Red Lion, Fishpool Street
2014.5034
Acquired 2014. Holmes Edwin Cornelius Winter (1851-1935). Holmes Winter was the son of the painter Cornelius
Jason Walter Winter (1820-1891) and active in East Anglia as a painter in watercolour.
Accomplished work but principally of local significance
Good
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Holmes Winter, Red Lion, Fishpool Street
FINE ART
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
The Stone Pickers by George Clausen, 1882
2003.5047
Sir George Clausen, RA (1852-1944) was an artist that lived locally to St Albans and a follower of Courbet and
Bastien-Lepage. In 1867 to 1873, he attended the South Kensington Schools, worked with Edwin Long RA, and
in Paris in the studios of Bougereau and Robert-Fleury. Clausen became one of the foremost modern painters of
landscape and of peasant life, influenced by the impressionists He was knighted in 1927. His work, Stone Pickers
depicts a lone figure picking flints from the field prior to ploughing.
High national significance and a strong local connection.
Good
Black and white photographs taken by Clausen for his studies were acquired by Salaman and became part of his
collection in 1965
In 2001, St Albans Museum outlined the work in a list of prospective acquisitions, this short report is available from
the Museum Service
Rutherson, Albert (editor). Contemporary British Artists: George Clausen Publisher: Ernest Benn Ltd, 1923 Sir George
Clausen, R.A. 1852-1944; Bradford Art Gallery, 1980, catalogue of an exhibition.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
One work by H. Hine and others by his wife Victoria Hine
1999.5559 St Albans Abbey at Dawn and St Albans S.W, 2003.5182 (below) by V. Hine
Henry (Harry) Hine, (1845-1941) studied at Accrington School of Art, the Royal Cambrian Academy and Académie
Julien in Paris. A landscape painter and elected an Associate of Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colour in 1879
and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters in 1883. He married in 1874, Victoria Colkett. Hine’s father was a watercolourist
and illustrator for Punch.
Etching by Victoria Hine (signed “V.S.Hine” bottom left) entitled “St Albans S.W.”, showing St Albans Abbey viewed
from a distance with the Abbey Gate (2003.5182)
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Moderate significance and local connections
MoStA Hatfield Road Store.
Good
George Clausen, Stone Pickers 1882
St Albans S.W
FINE ART
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
Drawings and Watercolours by Sir Edgar Wigram Bt.
Various
DESCRIPTION
Sir Edgar Wigram (1864-1935) was an intrepid amateur artist who travelled in France, Spain and Italy; but it is his
record of his travels in the Middle East, which are the most interesting and artistically competent.
SIGNIFICANCE
In his report on the fine art collection, Somerville noted that “These have a freshness and delicacy of touch which
makes them highly desirable. Wigram has the perfect credentials of association with St. Albans”.
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
In the store at Verulamium
Good, with preventative measures in place
To be confirmed
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
2006.6011 Leigh Park by Sir
E. Wigram
ARCHAEOLOGY
2006.6039 Mawddach Estuary at Barmouth in Gwynedd,
North Wales by Sir E. Wigram
NATURAL HISTORY
2006.6004, Leigh Park by Sir E. Wigram
FINE ART
BUCKINGHAM COLLECTION
Numerous works by J.H. Buckingham (1800-1881). Many are caricatures and he appears to be a successor to the famous 18th century caricaturist, H.W.
Bunbury.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Collection of works by Buckingham
Various
Some works in pencil others watercolour, a variety of landscape and genre scenes with annotations and some
humourous caricatures.
Strong local interest given the subject of bany of this scenes, the works are of national significance overall.
Many of the drawings are not in very good condition, but as there are so many, it would be possible to pick out those
which are in good order, and which could be shown to advantage.
Felicity Hebditch, David J. Dean, J H Buckingham A Window on Vicorian St Albans, 1998
1982.1772 Watercolour by J.H.Buckingham showing a view looking
along the Redbourn Road
J.H Buckingham, a view of cows grazing in a field with a child and
his dog sleeping in the foreground
FINE ART
1982.2322 Lithograph by J.H. Buckingham showing Sumpter Yard and St
1981.3824, Fair on the banks of the
River Ver
1981.3804, J.H Buckingham a view
over the River Ver
1981.3865, J.H Buckingham view of St
Albans Abbey
FINE ART
1981.3869
SOCIAL HISTORY
1998.5069 Watercolour by J.H Buckingham entitled ‘St Albans’
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
2006.6899 Watercolour “Farm at Roe
Green. J.H. Buckingham c.1850.”
2008.5514, J H Buckingham - “Christmas Day”
FINE ART
PRINTS AND DRAWINGS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Etchings by F.L Griggs
Various
Etchings from the nineteenth century, of local scenes. Frederick Griggs, RA, RE, (1876 –1938) etcher, architectural
draughtsman, illustrator, and the first etchers to be elected to full membership of the Royal Academy. Born in
Hitchin, he was an illustrator for the Highways and Byways’ regional guides, and later moved to the Cotswolds.
Local significance but represent the early work of an artist of national significance
F.L.Griggs: The Architecture of Dreams (OUP, 1999; Antique Collector’s Club 2008); Harold Wright, The Etched Work
of F.L. Griggs with a Catalogue by Campbell Dodgson (Print Collectors’ Club, 1941)
A selection of etchings by F.L Griggs
FINE ART
PRINTS AND DRAWINGS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DOCUMENTATION
Various
Etchings and drawings from the nineteenth century, of local scenes. F.G.Kitton (1852- ) was a successful
topographical illustrator and Dickens scholar, a competent and prolific artist and engraver who specialised in studies
of old buildings around Hertfordshire. He was secretary of the Herts County Museum in St Albans and lobbied
friends for donations of art works. A wood-engraver on the staff of the London Graphic he was also a contributor to
the London Illustrated News
Strong local interest and an artist with a national reputation as an illustrator
Charles Dickens by Pen and Pencil, The Novels of Charles Dickens: A Bibliography and a Sketch (1897), and most
notably Charles Dickens and His Illustrators (1899).
SOCIAL HISTORY
DISPLAY
Works by Kitton - around twenty works including pencil drawings and lithographs
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
2006.6887
NATURAL HISTORY
1981.3920
1981.3894
ARCHAEOLOGY
Gazetteer 2015
ARCHAEOLOGY
CERAMIC ITEMS
CERAMIC ITEMS
A large quantity of the ceramic wares recovered from these sites is the ‘South Hertfordshire Glazed Ware’, which was produced locally and dates to the
14th and 15th century. The items in the collection represent some of the finest examples of this type of pottery as there is a relatively large amount of
intact examples.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Medieval ceramic jug
1990.736
South Herts Greyware jug with thumbed and stabbed handle, found in Tankerfield Place 1978. This type of pottery
is known as “Late Medieval Hertfordshire Glazed ware. It has a fine salmon-pink body and a speckled green glaze,
and was used very commonly in St Albans during the 14th and 15th centuries. It was made into jugs, cooking pots
with lids, cisterns for storing liquids, and tableware such as small saucers, cups and candlesticks. It was sometimes
decorated with star or wheatsheaf patterns made by pressing the soft pottery against a hollow stamp from the
inside. Several pieces have a religious symbol stamped on them, the Lamb of God.” Although no kilns producing it
have been found, it is thought to have been manufactured somewhere in the St Albans area.
Moderate -high
Medieval Gallery/MoStA
Good
Notes on Hertfordshire Greyware Vessels from Recent Excavations in St Albans with Particular Reference to Size and
Shape as demonstrated by 2 new Computer Programs. Medieval Ceramics 11, 1987.
Medieval ceramic jug
ARCHAEOLOGY
CERAMIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
C13th medieval ceramic jar
1990.738
South Herts Greyware jar/cooking pot, large and nearly complete. This pottery is known as “South Hertfordshire
Greyware”, since kilns producing it are common in South Hertfordshire and Middlesex. It is very plain, grey or black
unglazed pottery, and was used mainly for cooking pots, jugs and large bowls, as well as rarer forms such as dripping
pans and “curfews”. Dripping pans were placed under meat roasting on a spit to catch the juices and fat that dripped
from the roast, and curfews were covers placed over the fire at night as a fireguard. Food was cooked over an open
fire and the cooking pots often show traces of medieval soot. Greyware was never used for tableware.
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DOCUMENTATION
Good
Notes on Hertfordshire Greyware Vessels from Recent Excavations in St Albans with Particular Reference to Size and
Shape as demonstrated by 2 new Computer Programs. Medieval Ceramics 11, 1987.
SOCIAL HISTORY
DISPLAY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
C13th medieval ceramic jar
ARCHAEOLOGY
CERAMIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Cresset Lamp
2009.84
This lamp dates from the 13th century. It was found on the site of the Maltings shopping arcade in 1981. The lamp
is carved from clunch, a soft local stone found at Totternhoe in Bedfordshire. The lamp bowl would have contained a
wick, floating in oil or melted animal fat saved from the kitchen.
Moderate
MoStA display
Good
DOCUMENTATION
Cresset Lamp
ARCHAEOLOGY
CERAMIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
4 floor tiles
1980.631
Four glazed floor tile from Sopwell nunnery excavations 1962, director Dr Johnson. 3 black-glazed quatrefoil tiles, 2
of them damaged, & 1 spacer tile with white slip and green glaze on upper surface, brown glaze on sides. Traces of
mortar on sides and undersides of these tiles.
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Good
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Tiles from Sopwell Nunnery
ARCHAEOLOGY
CERAMIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Decorated Floor Tile
Unknown
This 13th century floor tile was found during excavations on the site of the Maltings shopping arcade. Floor tiles are
a rare find from the medieval town, where few householders could have afforded them, but churches and the abbey
buildings have produced some very fine examples. This tile has a pattern traced or stamped onto it.
High local significance, a rare object
Good
DOCUMENTATION
Decorated Floor Tile
ARCHAEOLOGY
METAL ITEMS
METAL ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
Gilded bronze crucifix
1990.629
Gilded bronze crucifix, whole represents Christ, body has loin cloth round waist, crown of thorns, large nail through
feet.
Date: Probably late medieval - 14th century. Found 12 Chequer Street, old enquiry 65/84, donated by Crusader
Insurance. Lab no. V9334
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
MoStA medieval gallery
Condition of the object is good, future display is possible without much prior intervention.
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
DISPLAY
High
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Crucifix
ARCHAEOLOGY
METAL ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
Work Box
ACCESSION NO.
1990.520
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Work box from a grave at the Anglo-Saxon cemetery at King Harry Lane, St Albans. This probably dates from the 7th
century AD. The workbox was part of a chatelaine worn hung from the waist on the owner’s left-hand side. It hung
at the end of an iron chain with a bronze ring at the end, which may have been attached to a belt or sewn to the
owner’s dress. The workbox contained two Roman coins, and a Roman spoon was found in the same grave. There
was also an iron knife joined to the chain. Most burials at the site were provided only with a knife. They were worn
by everybody as a personal knife for cutting up food.
Some
MoStA display
In a controlled environment the potebntial for future display is good.
DOCUMENTATION
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Pilgrim Badge
1990.472
An example of metal badges sold on pilgrimage. This badge shows the death of Alban, Britain’s first martyr. The
legend records that he was killed in the 3rd century AD after becoming a Christian and helping the Christian priest
who had converted him to escape. It shows St Alban with his hair tied to a tree and the executioner who had just cut
off his head. The legend of St Alban relates that the executioner’s eyes immediately fell out of their sockets so that
he should never see the virtues resulting from the martyr’s death. These badges were mass-produced in moulds and
were usually made of pewter, so they were cheap enough for everyone to afford.
High historical significance
Good, this is a highlight of the collection and one that should be considered for display
DOCUMENTATION
Work box
Pilgrim Badge
ARCHAEOLOGY
METAL ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
1981.3584
Sir Richard Lee (c.1513-1575) was a professional soldier and military engineer. He was a friend of King Henry VIII
and following the dissolution of St Albans Abbey he purchased the grounds of the abbey and Sopwell Priory. He tore
down the priory and built a Tudor house on the site which he named Lee Hall. The ruins of this house still survive
today, on Cottonmill Lane. This is his funerary helmet and he is buried in St. Peter’s Church, St. Albans.
High national significance
Good, this item is a highlight of the collection and is in a stable condition
For more information on Sir Richard Lee, please see: http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1509-1558/
member/lee-sir-richard-15012-75
SOCIAL HISTORY
DOCUMENTATION
Richard Lee’s Funerary Helmet
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Richard Lee’s Helmet
ARCHAEOLOGY
ORGANIC ITEMS
ORGANIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Leather shoe
2009.87
leather shoe, according to the display label it is 15th century, from Chequer Street. If it comes from the excavations,
the site codes have been lost. It may be identifiable from unpublished drawings if these can be found. Medieval
shoes were made inside out on a last, stitched along the seams and made without separate heels. This is known as
the ‘turnshoe’ method. They were not very waterproof and wooden pattens or overshoes were often worn with
them outside the house. Leather working was an important trade in medieval St Albans. French Row was originally
known as “Cordwainers Row” i.e. Shoemakers Row.
High
A conservation assessment may need to be made and these leather items will need to be kept in a controlled
environment or display case but they are a popular item and with care should be on display in future.
DOCUMENTATION
Leather shoe
Leather shoes
ARCHAEOLOGY
ORGANIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Child’s shoe
2009.89
Child’s leather shoe with round toe from Gentles Yard/Christopher Place excavations 1981. 16th century. Context
details not with object.
High
A conservation assessment may need to be made and these leather items will need to be kept in a controlled
environment or display case but they are a popular item and with care should be on display in future.
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Child’s shoe
ARCHAEOLOGY
ORGANIC ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
Chessman
1990.813
Carved antler chessman, representation of a horse found in Chequer Street/The Maltings. This bone chessman was
found during excavations on the site of the Maltings shopping centre. Chess pieces first occur in the 11th century AD.
This example, a knight, probably dates between the 11th and the 13th century. The ring and dot eyes may reflect the
Islamic origin of the early chessmen.
High national signifiance
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Chessman
ARCHAEOLOGY
OTHER ARCHAEOLOGY
OTHER ITEMS
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Architectural details from The Abbey
These are on extended loan from the Abbey and thus are not Accessioned. The loan agreement is likely to be
reviewed
St Albans Maueum currently displays several items from the abbey including floor tiles. A substantial quantity of
items are kept in the Sandridge Road store
Sandridge Road store with some items on display at the Hatfield Museum
The loan agreement for these items need to be confirmed before any future plans can be made. The Sandridge Road
store holds a large quantity of items which it may be possible to house better elsewhere. Communication with the
Abbey should be made.
SOCIAL HISTORY
DOCUMENTATION
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Architectural details
NATURAL HISTORY
Gazetteer 2015
NATURAL HISTORY
NATURAL HISTORY
The Natural History collection is largely closed, some star examples noted by Simon Moore in his expert assessment are included here, for a wider
view of the collection please refer to his report as provided as an appendix. In the gazetteer the specimens have largely been grouped following the
subheadings prepared by Simon Moore in his expert assessment (in appendix to Conservation Report). Where star specimens were identified, these are
listed separately.
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
Taxidermy
Various
One example in the collection is a Quetzal mounted by Rowland Ward which has slight issues with some mildew
(presently inactive) on the glass inner surface. One of London’s leading taxidermists with erstwhile premises in
Piccadilly – taxidermists to the gentry!
This is of some significance due to the identity of the collector. Other items in the collection may be connected to
individual collections
The example above is in the Sandridge Road store, others are on display at MoStA, Hatfield Road
Would require some conservation work to reverse or repair effects of mildew but would be able to form part of a
story about the history of collecting due to it being linked to a leading taxidermist.
Online catalogue gives only very basic details
Taxidermy birds including an Albatross
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Peet collection of Birds Eggs
Various
Collection of birds eggs from multiple species, seem to be part of the Peet collection and need to be matched to full
collection data
Some. The display cabinet is a good example and could be used successfully in a future exhibition.
These are beautifully presented in a good cabinet and are in good condition.
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Birds eggs, displayed in a cabinet of good quality
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Malacology
Various
Numerous boxes and cabinets with mollusc shells in varying condition, mostly dusty. Some of these had more
significant uses such as the Cypraecassis tuberculata (brown cameo shell).
Some significant pieces but nothing that is especially rare
Good
DOCUMENTATION
Malacology cabinet
Malacology
Cypraecassis tuberculata
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Dried, pinned insects
Various
There are several cabinets containing taxonomic collections of British insect Orders with data and identified although
some of the older generic names may have changed. Apart from a few (old) Anthrenus sp. larval skins, no great
problems were noted with these apart from the (now illegal) presence of Vapona and which should be removed and
disposed.
The scale of the collection and the fact it is largely intact makes it one of significance.
Some concerns about some of the specimens were raised by the expert and it would be recommended to have more
time with him or another conservator to assess which items should be de-accessioned.
The display cabinet is a good example and could be used successfully in a future exhibition.
SOCIAL HISTORY
DOCUMENTATION
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
Botany & Mycology
Various
There are numerous specimens of cryptogamic plants, mainly mosses and lichens, all in stable condition, although a
few were slightly crumbling. The paper on which these were mounted (including envelopes) appeared to be stable.
A folio-sized book of ferns by Thomas Moore (1857) in good condition would look good in a suitable temporary
exhibition.
There was also a small red Flora book in slipcase, 1845 containing pressed herbarium specimens alongside
identifying poems – most unusual piece and which could accompany the above fern book.
Two boxes of Mycetozoa (myxomycete fungi) which are linked to unicellular animal organisms by JE Saunders
c.1880/90*.
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
High significance due to their condition and level of detail
This item would need to be displayed in a suitable, supportive display case.
DOCUMENTATION
Thomas Moore book of ferns
Example of moss in good condition
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Fossils
Various
There are significant numbers of these across the geological time scale and from various matrices. There were no
smells pertaining to pyrite decay detectable and most specimens were in good and stable condition.
Some significance owing to their stable condition. The breadth of the collection makes it a valuable resource
Good
DOCUMENTATION
SOCIAL HISTORY
FINE ART
A selection of fossils in labelled display cabinets
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
SIGNIFICANCE
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
Mineralogy and petrology
Various, some accessioned and on database, others on index cards which are located in the Sandridge Road store
In stable condition with no odour of pyrite decay (sulphurous), there may be a few Radon emitters present and
it would be useful to detect these with a Geiger counter and have them safely disposed or donated to a suitable
institution with the correct facilities.
Some items of significance
In stable condition with no odour of pyrite decay (sulphurous), there may be a few Radon emitters present and
it would be useful to detect these with a Geiger counter and have them safely disposed or donated to a suitable
institution with the correct facilities.
DOCUMENTATION
Mineralogy and petrology
NATURAL HISTORY
NAME/TITLE:
ACCESSION NO.
DESCRIPTION
Naturalists’ journals and associated specimens
Various
The most significant of these were those collated by Bertram Lloyd between 1908 and 1931 and with observations
about natural history through the seasons, rather in the style of Gilbert White of Selborne.
With these was a folder containing herbarium specimens of lichens and mosses collected by William Gardiner (et al.)
and revised taxonomically by AG Harrold in 1940.
In this box was the Hoare family’s natural history book of 1807, part-bound and cut and rather fragile.
ST Collins field notebooks (Geology) from the 1970’s and 1980’s also included nine geological slices mounted on
microscope slides. Someone in the Geology Curators’ Group (GCG) may have more information.
A box of dried fungi in a stable but rather messy state and with separate identification sheets, also yielded some
exhibitable amateur drawings of fungal sporocarps (fruiting parts of the fungus – mushrooms) with anatomical
notes. Any data as to who might have made these would be useful.
Box of Dick Ward botanical notebooks from the 1970’s with some photographic slides.
USUAL LOCATION
DISPLAY
DOCUMENTATION
High significance as a historical record of the field of collecting
These notebooks are in a relatively stable condition, but could need to be assessed before display
SOCIAL HISTORY
SIGNIFICANCE
These are a documentation resource in their own right, recording in detail the oservations of collectors in the field.
FINE ART
ARCHAEOLOGY
NATURAL HISTORY
Naturalists’ journals and associated specimens
www.caroe.com
Office 5, Unit 8 23–25 Gwydir Street
Cambridge CB1 2LG
m:07919 300443 oliver@caroe.com

Conservation Plan - Collections Gazetter June

Transcription

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