Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942): An Arts & Crafts Silver and Enamel Dish and Cover, 1900, the cover with blue enamel and jewelled knob, hammered with pulled wirework handles, hallmarked London, 1900, maker's mark CRA,
29cm wide, 11cm high, gross weight 16oz 7dwt, 508gr (damaged enamel)

Provenance:
Gifted to the vendors late husband by Thomas Bond Worth (from the family of William Henry Worth carpet manufacturers of Kidderminster).

Charles Robert Ashbee (1863-1942) founded the Guild and School of Handicraft in 1888. Based on the model of the medieval workshop, the Guild operated as a co-operative. Its style and aesthetics followed the Arts and Crafts movement and the Guild produced leather, furniture, silver and metalwork, jewellery and books, with much of the work based on Ashbee's designs. Revival of traditional techniques, education of working people and encouraging satisfaction through work were key principles of the Arts and Crafts movement and the Guild. In 1902, the Guild (150 people, the Guildsmen and their families) moved from East London to Chipping Campden. Ashbee believed that living a simple, collective life in rural surroundings would add to the health and well-being of the craftsmen and consequently, the work they produced. Although its work was widely exhibited, increasing financial difficulties from 1905 eventually resulted in the voluntary liquidation of the Guild in 1908. In 1909, Ashbee published his book on "Modern English Silver" in which a comparable piece to this example is illustrated as plate 17.

In 1850 William Henry Worth’s three sons, Thomas Bond, William and Joseph started a new Brussells Weave factory at Stourport. They were amongst the first to appreciate the importance of powered looms. By 1866 a purpose built factory was begining to take place at Severn Valley Mills and in 1888 Lower Dudbridge Mills at Stroud in Gloucestershire was purchased for the weaving of Jacquard carpets.In 1896 the company was incorporated as a Limited Company and following the death of Thomas Bond Worth his sons became joint Managing Directors. Their joint leadership continuing for nearly fifty years.