C.F.A. VOYSEY (1857-1941) DESIGN STUDY OF ARTICHOKE THISTLES

Pen & Ink on sepia paper, laid down, inscribed lower right C.F.A. VOYSEY F.R.I.B.A., R.D.I./ 73 ST. JAMES ST. S.W.1, signed and inscribed in pencil C.F.A. VOYSEY/ SOLD TO STANWAY FOR FABRIC, bears Tomkinson & Adam stamp verso V00087, and with a faint pencil sketch (Dimensions: 40cm x 39.5cm) (40cm x 39.5cm) Footnote: Note: The two signatures on this design reflect Voysey's re-use of his work, often driven by a precarious financial position. Richard Stanway was an agent buying and selling patterns from designers like Voysey around the 1890's (another example from 1898 'sold to Stanway for fabric' is referenced on page 74 of C.F.A. Voysey, Arts & Crafts Designer by Livingstone, Donnelly and Parry published by V&A Publishing in 2016). Many years later Voysey has sold the design to carpet manufacturer Tomkinson and Adam and his later signature includes the letters "RDI" (Royal Designer for Industry) after his name, an award received by Voysey in 1936, making this one of his last successful pattern design sales.