Louis Osman FRIBA (1914 – 1996)
Design for the Restoration of the ‘Bird Cage’ Arbour, Melbourne Hall, Derbyshire
Mixed media, including pen, ink, watercolour, and gold leaf
108 x 63 cm
Provenance: the artist’s daughter.
In 1958 Osman was commissioned to advise on the restoration of a metal arbour, originally designed in 1708 by Robert Blackwell for the grounds of Melbourne Hall in Derbyshire. The arbour is known as the ‘Bird Cage’ and was originally painted in a dreamy array of vivid colours; Osman extensively researched Blackwell’s work and consulted his original plans for the metalwork in order to restore the arbour to its former glory. The paint was stripped and the iron repainted as per Blackwell’s original scheme. The ironwork specialists George Lister & Sons Ltd worked with Osman on the project. This large design features watercolour and gold leaf to illustrate the embellishments Osman had in mind.
Osman was as much an artist as an architect. This is likely a portfolio piece from his time studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture, and is as such a piece of architectural history as well as a beautiful Osman design. Osman was awarded a First Class degree and the Donaldson Medal of the RIBA (for the best result in his year group) by the Bartlett, and then went on to the Slade School of Art. He subsequently trained with Sir Albert Richardson – we also have several Richardson works in our collection.
After the war, Osman busied himself as an architect. His work included contributions to Westminster Abbey, and Lincoln, Exeter, Ely, and Lichfield Cathedrals, Staunton Harold Church in Ashby de la Zouch for the National Trust, and of course his folly: the Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house, Canons Ashby in Northamptonshire, now a National Trust property.
At Canons Ashby he established a workshop and had a team of silversmiths and goldsmiths working for him. In 1976 he made the gold enamelled coffin that holds the copy of the Magna Carta on view in the United States Capitol, Washington, DC.
Condition: generally very good; one or two small brown spots to periphery. In artist’s original lead-edged frame.
If you’d like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.
