Loved | Forgotten | Revived
This eye-catchingly exuberant and striking table lamp was sold last autumn from the Stein Collection, which included some interesting examples of British design from within the Art Deco canon. This particular example was designed by C. A. Llewelyn Roberts (1879-1951), who, alongside his brother, became the key pioneering force behind the Birmingham Guild of Handicraft. The lamp featured centrally in the interior scheme of the Guild’s new Mayfair showroom at 22 Bruton Street, which was holistically conceived by Llewlyn Roberts from the plaster ceiling, wall panelling, table, chairs through to the lighting. This interior reveals the Guild at the peak of its success; now considered to be one of the greatest losses of British Art Deco. It was however featured in the Guild’s 1932 published catalogue.
This auction find has now been painstakingly restored. The simple yet monumental base was made from solid ebony and inlaid with contrastingly bright vitrified enamel panels, each outlined with stylish Deco animals and Classically inspired figures. The use of enamels was specific to the Guild’s craft, particularly within an architectural context, whilst the form echoes Llewelyn’s training as an architect designer at the Birmingham school, combined with inspiration from the latest developments and discoveries within the applied arts. Some of these enamels and other elements were missing. These have now been skillfully restored and replaced. The lamp has now returned to its former dazzling glory and a central feature of a once prized British Art Deco interior now salvaged.
