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HARDY, Thomas.
Photographic portrait tile by George Cartlidge.
Publisher: J. H. Barratt & Co. Ltd., Stoke on Trent, 1924
Stock code: 52315
Price: £975 Currency Conversion
An image created using Cartlidge's relief technique. The technique pioneered by George Cartlidge originally for Sherwin and Cotton sprung from the Woodburytype method of photographic reproduction. A block of light-sensitive gelatine is exposed through a photographic negative for 24 hours. When the gelatine is washed with water, the areas exposed to the light are washed away leaving a relief image. From this, a mould is created from which the tiles are pressed. A special glaze is applied which runs freely in the firing, leaving the higher parts of the design showing through. The effect is that of a dark sepia-tone photograph but with raised and hollowed areas corresponding to the tones within the image. Cartlidge developed the process at the turn of the century for Sherwins. But it was with J. H. Barratt of Stoke that he flourished. The image of Hardy was amongst the last of his works.
9 x 6 inches, in the original oak frame. Titles on the back Mr Thomas Hardy O.M.D.Litt. (Oxon). Geo. Cartlidge Sculpt. 1924 and with the manufacturer's stamp. A little cracking to the glaze but in excellent condition.
