In the artistic world of late 19th-century London, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was prominent, from painting to literature, and even jewellery. Among the artists who thrived in this environment were the brothers Walter and Harold Child, founders of the jewellery firm Child & Child.
Established in 1880 on Seville Street, London, Child & Child quickly rose in popularity due to their distinct approach to jewellery design. The brothers were not merely jewellers but artists who infused their work with the same attention to detail and passion for symbolism that characterised the Pre-Raphaelite movement.
Child & Child Trademark
Child & Child jewellery is instantly recognisable by their maker's mark: two interlocking Cs alongside a sunflower. This iconic symbol can still be found at the location of their former premises at 35 Alfred Place West (now Thurloe Street), close to South Kensington Underground Station and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
An early 20th century silver and vari-hue enamel butterfly brooch, by Child & Child.
Price Realised: £299.00
By 1892, the Child brothers had relocated their business to this new address, where they continued to produce jewellery. Their clientele expanded to include members of the British and European royal families. This included: Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, the Empress Frederick of Prussia, and the Tsarina of Russia.
In 1899, the partnership between Walter and Harold Child came to an end. Harold continued to run the business under the Child & Child name until his death in 1915.
A Pre-Raphaelite Patron
Their work soon attracted the attention of prominent Pre-Raphaelite artists, including William Holman Hunt and Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Living nearby, Burne-Jones became a regular visitor to their premises. He even commissioned the brothers to create a ring for him, which he wore on the little finger of his left hand—a baroque, heart-shaped pearl set in silver. Burne-Jones had a fascination with heart iconography, and many of the pieces he commissioned from Child & Child featured heart motifs in various forms.
A late Victorian 9ct gold, red guilloche and white enamel witches heart brooch, with old-cut diamond highlight, by Child & Child.
Price Realised: £867.68
The jewellery crafted by Child & Child closely echoed the essence of Pre-Raphaelite art, with its vibrant colours and designs reflecting the movement's characteristic palette and symbolic themes. It’s likely that Burne-Jones' patronage inspired the brothers to delve deeper into this artistic style. The Pre-Raphaelites' focus on spirituality may have further influenced Child & Child, particularly in their use of winged motifs, which became a hallmark of their work.
A late Victorian silver and gold, opal and old-cut diamond wings brooch, by Child & Child.
Price Realised £780.00
Child & Child at Auction
Fine Jewellery | Thursday 26th September 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
Tuesday 17th September 12:00-19:00
Wednesday 18th September 10:00-16:00
Birmingham
Tuesday 24th September 10:00-16:00
Wednesday 25th September 10:00-16:00
Thursday 26th September 8:30-10:00
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