Exceptional Pair of English Campana Cast Iron Urns by Handyside Co. c.1870 with Plinths

Object Description

An exceptional rare pair of striking statement piece cast iron Campana satyrs mask garden urns by renowned English Foundry the Andrew Handyside Company (Britannia Iron Works, Derby) c.1870 set upon later tall composite stone plinths.

The campana style urns on their associated beautifully aged pedestals have decorative open loop and satyrs mask handles on a deeply gadrooned bowl set upon a raised spreading socle foot. The body with a lobed everted rim is decorated with a foliate frieze accentuating the overall relief and detail. Painted in layers of historical paint, the final layer being pale grey.

Object History

At the time of the the Great Exhibition of 1851 the Foundry was described as being “from the magnitude of its operations is second to none in England”. Andrew Handyside bought the Britannia Iron Works in 1848, and manufactured several ornamental vases in classical purity, form and ornament. Receiving distinctions at the Great Exhibition in 1851, “the quality of their casts were exceptional and became more exceptional with time”. They produced three catalogues, in 1848, 1874 and 1880.

Object Condition

With historical wear and repairs expected with age.

Object Details