Miniature art sculpture by Harrogate-based artist Barbara Allen Watkinson (nee Ingham) 1911-2000.
Watkinson was a talented and multi-skilled artist who specialised in small and intricate art forms including portrait miniatures, enamelware and small sculptural figures hand-carved from semi-precious stones. She was a member of the Royal Society of Miniatures and took part in several exhibitions between the 1960s and 1980s. Some of the figures we have come with their exhibition labels.
This particular piece features a Princess being towered over by a rather peculiar but charming Dragon- no doubt influenced by the rise in popularity of all things Sci-Fi and Space Age in the 1980s.
Barbara would meticulously list all materials used in her figures, often in tiny writing on the back of one of her business cards! These lists are still present with some of the figures we have of hers, but not all.
Based on materials used by Watkinson on similar pieces, we know the body of the Princess is made from jelly opal, an expensive material typically used in small quantities in fine jewellery. Her head, arms and feet are made from pale pink coral. The dragon is made moss agate with a head made from jade and garnets for eyes. Further details are added with copper and enamel. The base is a slice of chalcedony.
Underneath the base is a label for an exhibition, underneath there will bea small copper inset engraved with Barbara’s signature and a date.
Height 10cm.
Miniature art sculpture by Harrogate-based artist Barbara Allen Watkinson (nee Ingham) 1911-2000.
Watkinson was a talented and multi-skilled artist who specialised in small and intricate art forms including portrait miniatures, enamelware and small sculptural figures hand-carved from semi-precious stones. She was a member of the Royal Society of Miniatures and took part in several exhibitions between the 1960s and 1980s. Some of the figures we have come with their exhibition labels.
This particular piece features a Princess being towered over by a rather peculiar but charming Dragon- no doubt influenced by the rise in popularity of all things Sci-Fi and Space Age in the 1980s.
Barbara would meticulously list all materials used in her figures, often in tiny writing on the back of one of her business cards! These lists are still present with some of the figures we have of hers, but not all.
Based on materials used by Watkinson on similar pieces, we know the body of the Princess is made from jelly opal, an expensive material typically used in small quantities in fine jewellery. Her head, arms and feet are made from pale pink coral. The dragon is made moss agate with a head made from jade and garnets for eyes. Further details are added with copper and enamel. The base is a slice of chalcedony.
Underneath the base is a label for an exhibition, underneath there will bea small copper inset engraved with Barbara’s signature and a date.
Height 10cm.