Archibald Knox' Liberty Celtic ‘Beowulf’ Planter

About the Item

An early 20th century Arts and Crafts style Celtic planter or jardiniere and pedestal in terracotta after a design for Liberty’s London (stamped) by celebrated designer Archibald Knox. Titled ‘Beowulf’, this large Celtic plant pot designed by Knox was manufactured for Liberty’s by J. Carter and Co, as is stamped on the socle. Carters made stone garden ware and terracotta for Liberty between 1900 and 1910. Often unstamped, Celtic style planters like these are often mistakenly attributed to the Compton Pottery. However, we can be certain that this one was made for the luxury department store in London due to the ‘Liberty & Co’ stamp on the inside. Archibald Knox (1864-1933) was a pioneer of modern 20th century design. He was Liberty’s primary designer at the height of their success during the early 20thcentury, his balance of Arts and Crafts, Modernism, Celtic Revival and Art Nouveau style influencing both British and international design. When employed by Liberty’s in 1899, Knox was tasked with designing the department store’s Celtic style silver and pewter ranges, before moving onto terracotta garden ornaments as well as patterns for carpet, wallpaper and fabric. The ‘Beowulf’ planter is one of Knox’s earliest designs, depicting a simple knot inspired by ancient Celtic crosses. Additional Dimensions Height 20.87 inch (53 cm) Width (widest part) 20.87 inch (53 cm) Inside diameter 15.16 inch (38.5 cm) Inside height 9.45 inch (24 cm) Diameter of base socle 14.37 inch (36.5 cm)

Creator:

Liberty & Co. (Retailer),James Carter (Maker)

Attributed to:

Archibald Knox (Designer)

Dimensions:

Height: 20.87 in (53.01 cm)Width: 20.87 in (53.01 cm)Depth: 20.87 in (53.01 cm)

Style:

Arts and Crafts (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Terracotta

Place of Origin:

England

Period:

Early 20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

1900

Condition:

Good structural condition. Small chips and scuffs. Losses to the top of the socle.

Seller Location:

Wormelow, GB

Reference Number:

Seller: 9314581stDibs: LU2096326553202

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Shop All Liberty & Co.

Liberty & Co.

Long before Liberty became one of London’s most iconic luxury department stores, shoppers of the late 19th century knew it as Liberty & Co. — purveyors of fine silverware designed in the Art Nouveau style, Arts and Crafts-style furniture and an eclectic assortment of ornaments, fabrics, fashion and other goods from around the world.

British merchant Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded Liberty & Co. in 1875. Liberty dreamed of selling an assortment of fine wares he obtained in the Far East from a ship docked in the middle of one of London’s busiest shopping thoroughfares. However, he could only manage to borrow £2,000 from his father-in-law, so he settled for a small shop on Regent Street.

What began as a modest business grew exponentially over the next few years, and, by 1890, Liberty & Co. occupied most of Regent Street. Meanwhile, Liberty forged relationships with many British Art Nouveau artists and designers who were keen to work with one of the most prestigious retailers in London.

In 1899, Liberty & Co. hosted an exhibition showcasing a collection of silver pieces designed by notable silversmiths like Oliver Barker, Albert Edward Jones and Bernard Cuzner. A line of silverware called Cymric also debuted and was produced in partnership with silversmith W. H. Haseler of Birmingham and Liberty & Co.’s chief designer, Manx artist Archibald Knox. The innovative Cymric collection featured a blend of Art Nouveau with traditional Celtic style, including such pieces as candlesticks, spoons, bowls, tableware and jewelry.

Liberty & Co. also had a furniture workshop in Archway, London, run by Lawrence Turner and which employed carpenters to produce handcrafted, Arts and Crafts-style armchairs, stools, bookcases, cabinets, side tables and other furniture. Most of these high-quality and durable pieces were made of solid wood such as oak, mahogany and walnut. In addition to their own in-house creations, Liberty & Co. also sold furniture by other designers, including chairs by German architect Richard Riemerschmid.

Liberty died in 1917, and Liberty & Co. became Liberty of London after relocating to their iconic location on Great Marlborough Street in 1924. Ironically, the imposing Tudor Revival building is constructed from the timbers of two decommissioned British Navy ships — realizing Liberty’s original “ship-store” dream.

On 1stDibs, discover a range of antique and vintage Liberty & Co. serveware, seating and decorative objects.