Royal Presentation Plaid Brooch
MakerMade by
William Robb
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1851 - 1927)
Date1902
Object NameBrooch
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsJewellery
Dimensions8.7cm diam.
AcquisitionPurchased in 2010 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 09
Object numberABDAG011386
About MeMr Robb was born in Aberdeen in 1851 and trained at Gray's School of Art and the Mechanics Institute, Aberdeen.He served his apprenticeship in the city under Rettie and Sons before moving briefly to Kincardine O'Neil and Lumphanan but found neither location would support his work.
He then moved to Ballater where he opened a shop in the town square and produced a range of silver objects from Celtic revival souvenirs to bespoke boxes set with semi-precious stones.
In 1905 he set up a shop in Braemar in response to the tourist boom and Highland revival of the time. Robb capitalised on this by producing a variety of affordable keepsakes such as kilt pins and paper knives.
"Robb was a significant figure in the silversmithing tradition in the north east of Scotland and even received a Royal Warrant as jeweller to the King in the early 20th century."
Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums recently acquired two pieces of silver by Robb with support from the National Fund for Acquisitions. These are a Royal Presentation Brooch engraved with the Royal cipher of Edward VII and a menu holder which has the extremely rare town mark of Kircardine O'Neil. Both pieces are significant additions to the small collection of Robb silver and related material.
More About Me
In 1905, William Robb opened a shop in Braemar. Queen Victoria’s interest in the Scottish Highlands caused a tourist boom and he capitalised on this, selling his affordable keepsakes.
Exhibitions
19th Century
19th Century
Abbott & Ellwood
