Paul Storr Warwick Vase Wine Cooler
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Outstanding artistry distinguishes this impeccable Paul Storr wine cooler
Key Features
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- This highly detailed Paul Storr silver wine cooler takes the form of the famous Warwick Vase
- Based on an ancient Roman urn, this stellar work exhibits outstanding artistry
- The cooler's Bacchanalian theme was thought to conjure feelings of hospitality
- Hallmarked London, 1821
- 10 ¼" wide x 7 ¾" high
Item Details
- Width:
10 1/4 Inches - Height:
7 3/4 Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
This monumental antique silver wine cooler by the renowned silversmith Paul Storr is crafted in the form of the iconic and much-lauded Warwick Vase. One of the most famous designs in classical silver, this urn exhibits exceptional castings and details. Its outstanding Bacchanalian motif is simply without equal, incorporating a border formed by grapevines sprouting from the urn's two handles, Bacchic heads and artichoke wands, all set against the intricate lionskin apron. A beaded egg-and-dart trim and acanthus cardwork provide the perfect framework for this majestic artistry. Usually crafted as a vase, silver Warwick urns are only rarely found in its wine cooler form. Its hedonistic motif is also believed to represent hospitality, making this form even more appropriate.
Revered among history's finest silversmiths, Paul Storr (1771-1844) is credited with perfecting the works, styles and designs of the Regency period. His legacy is a remarkable body of work that spans over several stylistic periods with far-reaching influences. Though primarily known for creating masterpieces of Georgian and Regency silver in a distinctive neoclassical style, Paul Storr was also quite accomplished in the earlier Rococo manner. Throughout his entire career, Storr imparted a level of craftsmanship and superior quality to his pieces that has seldom been seen since.
Hallmarked London, 1821
10 ¼" wide x 7 ¾" high
The original Warwick Vase, a mammoth 10-foot ancient Roman urn owned by the Emperor Hadrian, was discovered by the antiquarian Gavin Hamilton at the bottom of Lake Tivoli, near the sight of Hadrian's Villa in Italy around 1771. It was once owned by Cardinal Albani and then sold to Sir William Hamilton, special counsel to Naples. Sir Hamilton in turn gave the vase to his nephew, George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, who displayed it in a specially made conservatory of Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England. Viewed as a survival from the classical world, the vase had a great influence on the evolution of English taste. Copies after it and derivations from it appeared throughout the 19th century in a variety of materials, of which the finest are those in silver by Paul Storr. The vase was later sold in the 1970s to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow where it remains.
Revered among history's finest silversmiths, Paul Storr (1771-1844) is credited with perfecting the works, styles and designs of the Regency period. His legacy is a remarkable body of work that spans over several stylistic periods with far-reaching influences. Though primarily known for creating masterpieces of Georgian and Regency silver in a distinctive neoclassical style, Paul Storr was also quite accomplished in the earlier Rococo manner. Throughout his entire career, Storr imparted a level of craftsmanship and superior quality to his pieces that has seldom been seen since.
Hallmarked London, 1821
10 ¼" wide x 7 ¾" high
The original Warwick Vase, a mammoth 10-foot ancient Roman urn owned by the Emperor Hadrian, was discovered by the antiquarian Gavin Hamilton at the bottom of Lake Tivoli, near the sight of Hadrian's Villa in Italy around 1771. It was once owned by Cardinal Albani and then sold to Sir William Hamilton, special counsel to Naples. Sir Hamilton in turn gave the vase to his nephew, George Greville, 2nd Earl of Warwick, who displayed it in a specially made conservatory of Warwick Castle in Warwickshire, England. Viewed as a survival from the classical world, the vase had a great influence on the evolution of English taste. Copies after it and derivations from it appeared throughout the 19th century in a variety of materials, of which the finest are those in silver by Paul Storr. The vase was later sold in the 1970s to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow where it remains.
The Great Georgian Silversmiths
Discussion of the great silvesmiths and silver of this period almost invariably involves three silversmiths whose work has become synonymous with the Georgian ear. Paul de Lamerie, Hester Bateman and Paul Storr were each exemplary smiths enjoying a great deal of prosperity and success in their careers, and they share the distinction of being among the most highly respected and collected silversmiths today. Read More »
