Unidentified photographer
1872-1899
[Francis Alexander Skidmore, the younger - Product photograph]

Albumen print, mounted on card
Victoria and Albert Museum
Purchased with the assistance of the Friends of the National Libraries. Museum number: E.426-2006
 
Curatorial description (Accessed: 29 March 2015)
 
This albumen print from a glass negative, a type of photograph dating from the 1860s to 1870s, is of railings and is the work of the firm of Francis Skidmore (1817-1896). The photograph is thus a record of the work done and comes from an archive of designs and photographs from the firm. The albumen print is lettered 'F.A.SKIDMORE . COVENTRY AND 24 HUNTERS Rd BIRMINGhm' which gives an indication of the date that the photograph was taken. In 1872 Skidmore's Art Manufactures and Constructive Ironwork Company went into liquidation and was taken over by Winfields of Birmingham so this albumen print probably dates from then. Skidmore made railings for important commissions such as the Albert Memorial, Hyde Park, London and those in St. Mary's Guildhall, Coventry. Skidmore also produced church plate, light fittings, and furniture but was best known for his innovative architectural ironwork like these railings. He worked for some of the leading designers of the Gothic Revival movement, particularly Sir George Gilbert Scott.
 
LL/58906