Local craftsman's artistic collaboration with Pugin

Feb. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Birmingham has always been proud of its creative heritage as a centre for nurturing some of the finest and most skilful craftsmen in the world as it continues to discover treasure from its glorious past.

Local auction house Biddle & Webb has a fascinating collection of beautifully executed watercolour designs from John Hardman & Company. The 24 lots comprising approximately 40 items add credence to John Hardman’s reputation as a master craftsman.

John Hardman & Co was a Birmingham based metalworking firm and stained glass window studio. Hardman's work can be found in churches and other buildings all over Britain and abroad as he received much acclaim for his designs.

Some of Hardman’s most notable work includes designs for the decorations at Our Lady St. Margaret's Kinning Park, Glasgow, St. David's Church, Swansea, and St. Mary's Church, Liverpool. One of his most famous overseas commissions was for 22 clerestory windows which were for the Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago at a cost of $13,346 back in 1918.

John Hardman was also famous for his collaboration with Augustus Welby Pugin, who some consider to be, the greatest British architect, designer and writer of the nineteenth century. His son, E W Pugin who worked alongside his father was also an eminent architect of the day. The firm of Pugin Architects contributed to significant architectural projects in Birmingham including St Chad’s Cathedral and King Edward’s School in New Street.

The largest and most prestigious commission John Hardman & Co, often referred to as ‘Pugins Glasspainters’,  undertook with Pugin was notably aspects of the interior of the Houses of Parliament. Pugin was employed by the well renowned architect Sir Charles Barry, best known for his role in the total rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster (also known as the Houses of Parliament).

Biddle &Webb’s managing director Jeremy Thornton believes that the designs will naturally be of interest to local collectors and historians because of the heritage links to Birmingham. Hardman’s connection with Pugin will undoubtedly geographically widen the interest for the items as two of the designs are marked ‘Pugin and Pugin Architects’ confirming the well documented collaboration.

Mr Thornton said: “These beautiful designs are real treasures when you consider that many of the commissions they refer to are still gracing the windows of some of the most imposing buildings in the UK and overseas. Again it just confirms the fact the Birmingham was home to many of the iconic artists and craftsmen of the 19th and 20th centuries.

“The designs were discovered by one of the stained glass restorers who worked for Hardman’s and rescued the watercolours from being discarded.”

The drawings will be included in Biddle & Webb’s Fine Art, Antiques & Militaria, Silver and Jewellery Sale on Friday 2nd March.

To find out more visit: www.biddleandwebb.co.uk