Francis Skidmore – a Coventry Craftsman

Description

Francis Skidmore

This booklet celebrates the work of the Coventry Art Metalwork manufacturer, Francis Skidmore. During his lifetime Skidmore was known as one of the best metalworkers in the country. His innovative iron, brass and silverwork won him great acclaim and prestigious commissions such as the Albert Memorial, the Hereford screen and the roof of the Oxford Museum.

During much of the 20th century there was widespread dislike of Victorian design. This meant that Skidmore’s name was virtually forgotten and his work neglected and even destroyed. In the last 20 years, however, a renewed interest in 19th century art has seen many of Skidmore’s works restored and appreciated once again.

The unveiling of the Hereford screen at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2001 and the £ ll m restoration of the Albert Memorial, completed in 1998, have propelled Skidmore’s name back into the limelight after being out of fashion for over 100 years.