2009/26

Reaping,

Albert James Rowley (Maker)

This marquetry panel was produced by Albert James Rowley (1877-1944), of the Rowley Gallery in Kensington and Chelsea. Rowley was an artist in the Arts & Crafts tradition. The panel depicts a man using a scythe. On the reverse of the panel is a distinctive 'Pan' label, to a design by Rowley's friend William Chase (1878-1944). which was introduced in 1912. Although this panel is called 'Reaping', the tool being use is a scythe, not a sickle, so technically the title should be 'Mowing'.

Marquetry panel depicting man using a scythe; framed; good condition

MERL OLIB database note – 'See also 2009/27.Albert James Rowley (1877-1944) set up his picture framing and gilding business in Kensington in 1898. He was an artist/craftsman himself in the Arts and Crafts tradition and moved in the artistic circles of both London and Ditchling in Sussex (which included Frank Brangwyn and Eric Gill) where he subsequently had a house. In the years leading up to the First World War, the Rowley Gallery began to produce inlaid wood panels like these, some designed and made by Rowley himself as here, and others by invited artists including his friend William Chase (1878-1944). The distinctive Pan label on the reverse of the panels, to a design by Chase, was introduced in 1912. The Gallery's output expanded through the 1920s and 30s, particularly with the addition of Albert's son Laurence to the business, from panels into decorative mirrors and items of furniture. The Rowley Gallery still trades in Kensington today, although the family is no longer involved. This panel is called Reaping - although the tool being used is a scythe not a sickle so technically the title should be Mowing - and the other Binding. By the time they were created both these operations of cutting the crop and tying it into sheaves had largely been mechanised. But the purpose here is the noble depiction of rustic labour for a metropolitan audience.', MERL 'Handwritten accession' form (Museum of English Rural Life) – 'Panel depicting a man using a scythe. Framed. // Produced by Albert James Rowley (1977-1944), the Rowley Gallery, Kensington, London, between 1912 + 1920. // Printed Rowley 'Pan' label on back. // ... Purchased in connection with the Collecting 20th Century Rural Culture project // See also 2009/27'

Kensington and Chelsea

1912 - 1920