Commemorative plaque

Hugh Alexander Macpherson memorial plaque made by Omar Ramsden (1873-1939) and Alwyn Carr (1872-1940) in London, 1902.

Cast sterling silver with repoussé and chased decoration produced by skilful punching, hammering and pressing techniques on each side of the metal. The plaque is inscribed: ‘Hugh Alexander MacPherson born Feb 9 1858 - died Nov 26 1901. An eminent naturalist for many years resident in this city who devoted his leisure to the study of bird life and to whose zeal this institution owes much’. Above the inscription is a portrait of MacPherson in profile within an oval surrounded by natural forms including birds, small mammals and plants. The plaque is attached with silver headed nails to a large dark stained oak Arts and Crafts surround.

The Reverend Hugh Alexander Macpherson was an eminent naturalist who had a deep enthusiasm for the wildlife of Cumbria and was largely responsible for laying the foundations of Tullie House’s extensive and widely celebrated natural history collections and was much involved in the museum when it opened in 1893.

This fine piece of craftsmanship was commissioned from Omar Ramsden and Alwyn Carr. They were important artist-goldsmiths responsible for reviving craftsman-made silver in Britain. They designed domestic, personal, ceremonial and church metalwork in historic and modern styles from their workshop and studio in London (1899-1918). Ramsden continued with production until his death in 1939 despite neither making or designing any of the pieces which all bear his name. This plaque is a superb example of Ramsden and Carr’s metalwork. It combines the naturalistic British Arts and Crafts style with the sinuous curves of European Art Nouveau.