The Melchett Fire Basket

Charles Sargeant Jagger (1885 - 1934)

V&A (Victoria & Albert Museum)

1930

The fire basket formed an integral part of an opulent interior designed for Mulberry House, the Melchett's home. It related directly to the relief 'Scandal' that hung above the fireplace, a humourous reference to the couples earlier 'menage à trois' with a writer. At the back of the fire basket, two snarling cats are depicted hiding behind female masks to signify the 'double face' and 'cattiness' of society gossip. In the centre is a macaw, a satire on the idea of 'parroting' phrases without thought for content or meaning.

• Medium: cast iron
• Dimensions: 91.5 x 75.5 x 33cm
• Art Fund Grant: £25000 ( Total: £66,000; Export stopped)
• ArtFunded in: 2005
• Vendor: Sotheby's

Provenance

Commissioned by Henry and Gwen Mond, Lord and Lady Melchett; by descent in the Melchett family until 1982; ....

Add your comments about this artwork Hide this form

Have your say