Weeks Museum Ormolu Inkstand
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Impressive provenance and stunning craftsmanship distinguish this inkwell from the Weeks Museum
Key Features
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- This spectacular inkwell was once owned by the Weeks Museum
- It is believed that designer Charles Heathcote Tatham designed this magnificent inkwell
- Beautiful sphinxes and crater vase pots distinguish this gilded Neoclassical piece
- Inscribed 'Week's R T Museum Titchborne St'.
- Circa 1800
- 18" wide x 11" deep x 7" high
Item Details
- Width:
18 Inches - Height:
7 Inches - Depth:
11 Inches
This extremely rare and outstanding Regency ormolu inkstand by the Weeks Museum conceals a mahogany-lined double drawer with impressive lion's head handles in its rectangular base. Four imposing sphinxes support each corner, reflecting the fascination with Egyptian antiquity brought about by the Napoleonic campaigns of the late 18th century. Two krater-vase inkpots raised on clustered sphinx paws complete the Neoclassical motif. Items featuring such an amazing quality of bronze gilding and beautifully executed decoration are very rarely found in such remarkable condition. Inscribed 'Week's R T Museum Titchborne St'.
18" wide x 11" deep x 7" high
Circa 1800
The Royal Mechanical Museum was founded in 1797 by jeweler, clockmaker and umbrella manufacturer Thomas Weeks as a successor to Cox's Museum in Spring Gardens, London. Calling his venture the "Royal Mechanical Museum," Weeks employed the well-known architect James Wyatt to design the building while Charles Heathcote Tatham designed its throne in honour of King George III. Tatham, the author of Etchings of Ancient Ornament Architecture and Designs for Ornamental Plate, may have participated in the design of this ink-stand, which also relates to 'Sphinx' inkstands manufactured around 1810 by the Vulliamys of Pall Mall. After Weeks' death in 1834, there was a sale of the museum's artifacts, and the establishment underwent several name changes. In 1844, the remaining exhibits moved to 202 Piccadilly under the name of Charles Weeks.
18" wide x 11" deep x 7" high
Circa 1800
The Royal Mechanical Museum was founded in 1797 by jeweler, clockmaker and umbrella manufacturer Thomas Weeks as a successor to Cox's Museum in Spring Gardens, London. Calling his venture the "Royal Mechanical Museum," Weeks employed the well-known architect James Wyatt to design the building while Charles Heathcote Tatham designed its throne in honour of King George III. Tatham, the author of Etchings of Ancient Ornament Architecture and Designs for Ornamental Plate, may have participated in the design of this ink-stand, which also relates to 'Sphinx' inkstands manufactured around 1810 by the Vulliamys of Pall Mall. After Weeks' death in 1834, there was a sale of the museum's artifacts, and the establishment underwent several name changes. In 1844, the remaining exhibits moved to 202 Piccadilly under the name of Charles Weeks.
