Iona Silver Foliate Design Brooch
Jeweller
Alexander Ritchie
(Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland, 1856 - 1941)
Datec. 1920
Object NameBrooch
Mediumsilver
ClassificationsJewellery
DimensionsDiameter: 4.5cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 2012 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 08
Object numberABDAG011419
Keywords
An Iona Silver Shield Brooch featuring an interlacing foliate design, by Alexander Ritchie, c.1920
Born in Tobermory, Mull, Alexander Ritchie (1856-1941) was brought up on Iona where, after a career as a marine engineer, he was appointed custodian of the island's historic monuments. This seasonal work allowed him time to study at Glasgow School of Art where he met Euphemia Thomson (1862-1941), a fellow student from the island of Shuna. They married in 1898 and settled on Iona where they established a craft workshop which produced silver, brass, leather and textile items inspired by the rich heritage of the island, notably the medieval and Celtic designs found on surviving grave slabs and crosses at the nunnery.
The design of this brooch is unusual; the style is more organic than other pieces of Iona jewellery, which typically feature galleons or follow a structured Celtic design pattern.
Foliate design taken from Benedictine Abbot McKinnon's cross shaft on Iona.
More About Me
In addition to designing such celebrated and sought-after jewellery, Ritchie and his fellow artist and wife Euphemia Thomson, argued strongly for the greater recognition of Celtic art in schools and colleges.
Exhibitions
19th Century
19th Century
Late 19th century
1840 - 1900
1840-1900
