Necklace

This necklace was designed by Archibald Knox (1864-1933) for Liberty Co's Cymric range of jewellery which was launched by the London-based company in 1899. For the range, Knox combined aspects of Art Nouveau with Celtic forms, contributing to both the development of Celtic Revival and British Art Noveau. Born on the Isle of Man, Knox had been surrounded by Celtic design during his formative years. At the Douglas (IOM) School of Art, where he studied ornamental design, he placed an emphasis on Celtic design, and travelled to Ireland to further his studies, which culminated in his Celtic inspired designs and a range of articles on the subject. While the jewellery gave the appearance of being hand made, itwas actually commercially produced in Birmingham by W H Haseler Co using machine processes.

This design, which features turquoise and blister pearls, is typical of Knox's work for Liberty's.

In New Zealand, Liberty Co products could be purchased from a range of department and specialist stores. The latter included several shops and outlets opened by Mary and Margaret Alcorn, and members of their extended family in Wellington, Wanganui and Christchurch, and the jewellery company, Stewart Dawson Co. Knox's designs for Liberty Co were not sold or promoted under his name, but under the Liberty brand.In New Zealand, Liberty Co products could be purchased from a range of department and specialist stores. The latter included several shops and outlets opened by Mary and Margaret Alcorn, and members of their extended family in Wellington, Wanganui and Christchurch, and the jewellery company, Stewart Dawson Co. Knox's designs for Liberty Co were not sold or promoted under his name, but under the Liberty brand.