A George V Arts and Crafts sterling silver tray, Birmingham 1915 by Dryad Metal Works for Collins and Co

A George V Arts and Crafts sterling silver tray, Birmingham 1915 by Dryad Metal Works for Collins and Co

Of circular form with walled side and moulded edge, with engraved decoration of simple wavy lines among honesty leaves inter-spaced with quatrefoils. Fully marked to the reverse and stamped DRYAD.

Diameter – 27.5 cm / 10.75 inches

Weight – 451 grams / 14.5 ozt

Working at Dryad Works, Thornton Lane, Leicester Dryad, which is a female wood nymph from Greek mythology, was formed in 1906 by Harry Peach and Benjamin Fletcher (head of Leicester School of Arts), it initially produced cane furniture, but branched out to other Arts & Crafts. Dryad Metal Works was established in 1912 when William Pick (of Collins & Co), and a former pupil, joined Harry Peach in partnership. The Collins and Co. mark was used between 1915 and 1919, although it is unlikely much was produced during the Great War of 1914-1918.

Provenance: sold Bonham’s Knowle, 6 July 2004, lot 186