Rowan Hughes, Specialist Valuer for our Antique and Vintage Silver and Silver Plate department, shares some collecting notes on Archibald Knox.
“When it comes to Art Nouveau, along with Arts and Crafts design silver pieces, a name that often follows is Archibald Knox (1864 – 1933). A renowned designer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his designs are still admired and are highly collectable to this day. His work focused primarily on Celtic motifs such as knotwork and organic natural designs, including flowers and plants in flowing forms. Knox also had a strong interest in functionality, often using it as a central part of his work, creating silver pieces such as decorative tea sets and vases.
“Born on the Isle of Man to Scottish parents, he gained further inspiration from his headmaster, Reverend John Quine, who taught him Celtic lore, who influenced his artistic work. Some of his most well-known designs are the Cymric collection, which includes decorative and utilitarian objects like bowls, vases, and cutlery, with intricate patterning and often with the use of colourful enamel. While the initial versions of the collection were handmade, they were later adjusted to be made by machines with hand-finished details where needed. Knox’s silver pieces often featured hammered or repoussé techniques, where the metal was shaped from the back to create raised designs. Additionally, his work featured gemstones such as lapis lazuli, moonstone, and turquoise, along with shells such as mother-of-pearl.
“Knox is often associated with Liberty & Co., a department shop established in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty. Famous for their fabrics, Asian items and general objects d’art, Liberty & Co. worked closely with designers, creating a range of different collections, such as the Cymric collection. Knox produced a large range of silver items for Liberty & Co. during his time in the Silver Studio, with pieces often bearing Isle of Man marks. While very collectible, the value of his silver pieces varies depending on the piece’s rarity, condition, and design.”