Silver Pendant Necklace
DesignerDesigned by
Ann Macbeth
(Bolton, England, 1875 - 1948)
Jeweller
Peter Wylie Davidson
(Bridge of Allan, Scotland, 1870 - 1963)
Jeweller
William Armstrong Davidson
(Bridge of Allan, Scotland)
Date1905
Object NameNecklace
Mediumsilver, amethyst, blister pearl
ClassificationsJewellery
Dimensions6 × 32cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 2008 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions and the Friends of Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums.
LocationOn Display - Gallery 14
Object numberABDAG011358
About MeAnn Macbeth enrolled as a student at Glasgow School of Art in 1897 and in 1904 was appointed assistant instructress in embroidery to Jessie Newbery, whom she succeeded as head of embroidery in 1908. Although best known for designing and teaching needlecraft, she also taught metalwork, bookbinding and ceramic decoration. As a leading figure at Glasgow School of Art in the early 20th century she was involved in the international scene and won a silver medal at the International Exhibition of Modern and Decorative Art in Turin.The maker's mark 'W.A.D.' refers to William Armstrong Davidson who, with his brother Peter Wylie Davidson, founded a metalwork and design studio in Glasgow in the 1890s. A design for a similar pendant, also by Ann Macbeth, is illustrated in P. Wylie Davidson's Educational Metalcraft. One of the best known pieces produced by the Davidson brothers is a silver casket of 1909, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and now in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum. P. Wylie Davidson also taught at Glasgow school of Art.
The reverse of this Arts and Crafts necklace is inscribed 'designed by Ann Mc.Beth / exe. By P. & W. A. Davidson'. This information is supported by an illustration in Davidson's book, Educational Metalcraft, also on display. The hallmark indicates that the necklace was made in Glasgow in 1905. The lustre of the blister pearl complements the silver and amethyst, resulting in a simple and effective design. It is typical of the Glasgow style of the early twentieth century.
More About Me
A typical Glasgow-style necklace of the early 20th century, but an unusual example of Ann Macbeth's work, who was best known for needlework.
Exhibitions
James Cromar Watt
Sub-lieutenant John Russell Stewart Bell
