An Edgar Simpson silver belt buckle

An Edgar Simpson silver belt buckle, rectangular, pierced and cast with two swimming fish amongst turbulent water, on black silk belt, stamped ES hallmark once, 13.5cm. wide

Provenance

Victor Arwas

The Art Nouveau Buckle with Arts and Crafts Christie's South Kensington, 27th November 2007 lot 12 (mark incorrectly listed as CES),

A private collection of Guild of Handicraft silver and jewellery.

Catalogue notes

Edgar Gilstrap Simpson (1867-1945)

Born in Basford, Nottingham, was the son of Henry Simpson a lace manufacturer and Elizabeth Gilstrap. He initially worked in the lace industry before setting up his own studio to concentrate on craft and silver making in Nottingham. He exhibited work at both the Arts and Crafts Exhibition in 1900 and also the Vienna Secession exhibition of 1902. His designs are a blend of the English Arts and Crafts and the continental Art Nouveau and Secessionist styles. Although his marked jewellery is rare, he is believed to have supplied additional designs to Charles Horner, this design of leaping scaly fish or dolphins can be considered typical be it for a waist clasp, bell push or even as a decorative key.