Decorative Vase at Erewash Museum, Ilkeston, Derbyshire Made by Andrew Handyside

The Derby firm Andrew Handyside who made Friar Gate bridge in Derby were also famous at the item for making highly decorative cast iron vases, urns and fountains. They were made to such high quality that they were in high demand. Here at Erewash Museum in Ilkeston, Derbyshire is a very fine example of such work.

Have a look at my photographs and you will see how amazingly intricate this cast iron work is.
Just below the large bowl of the vase are busts of Peel, Nelson, Watt, Wellington, Stephenson, Scott, Shakespeare and Milton.

This vase design is No.16 on page 66 of Catalogue C August 1879 of "A illustrated catalogue of fountains and vases, manufactured by Andrew Handyside & Co. Derby" So there are probably many more vases like this out there in the world, do you own one?

Handyside showed this design of vase at the Great exhibition of London in 1851.

This vase is also featured on page 6 of the 1862 Art-Journal catalogue. Which has details about the vase as follows.
"The establishment of Mr Handyside, of Derby - the "Britannia Foundry" - is principally represented by the elegant Iron Case which we have engraved above it. The base is an octagon having eight open-work screens hanging in front of the pedestal, which give it singular lightness and elegance to the entire object. As an example of the taste and improvement which characterises the iron manufactures of our own country, we believe our readers will consider this work deserving of much beter attention: It is an excellent design, as excellently worked out, and reflects credit on the establishment from which it has emanated - one that from the magnitude of its operations is second to none in England."

Photographs of the Vase:
Overview of vase


A close view of the entire vase.


View of the very intricate cast iron screen panels.


View looking up underneath the bowl showing the fine decoration.


Shakespeare, One of eight portrait heads on this bowl, these are cast iron!


Show your support for this museum by making a dontation next time you visit.
www.erewashmuseum.co.uk

Can you help find more Handyside stuff ?
If anyone out there knows of any other Handyside vases around the world bearing the Handyside badge that I have not mentioned yet then please get in touch with details, location, photographs etc.

Thanks
Andy