Arts & Crafts Oak Dinner Gong attributed to George Walton for Liberty & Co., 1890s

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Six graduated brass chime bells hang suspended by cord within an open rectangular frame, each fitted with a top-mounted strike … Read more Six graduated brass chime bells hang suspended by cord within an open rectangular frame, each fitted with a top-mounted strike bar engraved with musical stave notation. The bell bodies are decorated with an all-over textured pattern, graduating in scale to produce a succession of resonant notes across the frame. Crafted in solid oak, the stand displays hallmark Glasgow School and Arts & Crafts styling. The upright end panels are pierced with cut-out heart motifs and shaped brackets, resting on splayed bridge feet joined by a low slatted lower tier. The proportions and stylised cut-outs follow designs attributed to Scottish architect George Walton produced around 1890 for Liberty & Co. The woodwork retains an attractive medium oak colour with pronounced medullary ray figure visible on the quarter-sawn uprights and stretchers. A pair of cloth-headed mallets with turned wooden handles is included for striking the chime bars. Measuring 56 cm wide by 32.5 cm deep and 80 cm high, the stand presents well as a functional conversation piece or domestic instrument. The brass shows an unpolished aged patina, and the chimes currently require adjustment and restringing to bring them properly into tune. Two stable vertical shrinkage splits are present in the oak side supports beneath the top rails, consistent with natural movement in antique timber. Normal age-related wear, light handling marks, and minor oxidisation spots to the metalwork are visible throughout. See less