Price: Sold

This is a gem of a spoon by little (indeed largely unknown) maker / teacher Thomas David Bryan.  The spoon is very much in the style of the Artificers Guild with delicate wirework to the handle, topped with a small green chrysoprase stone. The spoon is marked for Thomas Bryan, Birmingham 1919.

Little is known of Bryan.  He registered his first mark on 11th August 1910 when living at 34 Park Road Southend on Sea.  He registered a later mark on 3rd July 1925 when living at 6 Culverton Avenue Tunbridge Wells.  In the 1911 census aged 30 he is described as an “Art Master”. I believe from records of the National Competitions in the Studio, that he studied at Kensington School of Art, Clifton, Bristol and at Liverpool School of Art.  In 1913 he exhibited at the Ghent International Exhibition alongside all the “greats” of British arts and crafts metalwork, exhibiting a silver chalice with moonstones, exhibit 1043.  He married Elsa Louise Wills in 1915 whilst a serving in the army.  He listed his peace time occupation as “Crafts Master”.

Maker:  Thomas D Bryan

Designer:  Thomas D Bryan

Date:  1919

Marks: T.B, Birmingham, u

Material: Sterling silver, chrysoprase

Condition: Excellent

Size: 14 cm long

Weight: 16 grams, 0.6 0z