The present study explores the transformation of the city of Liverpool, from a British commercial city into a centre of culture, architecture, art and sculpture from the late 19th century to the end of 20th century. It analyses the lives, careers and artistic family trees of two of the most important sculptors of the time, Herbert Tyson Smith and Edward Carter Preston (including the potter Julia Carter Preston). Also, it explores medal design, sculpture and architectural decoration in Liverpool at the period, with detailed analysis on the sculptures of the Anglican Cathedral and the Martins Bank building. The period from 1880’s until 1960’s was enough for the Liverpool architects and artists of the time to produce an incredible collection of sculptures and architectural decoration which accompanied the modern Beaux Arts, steel framed buildings. Finally, the architectural decorations, medals, and sculptures were out of favour by the late 20th century and also, the artistic family trees of Herbert Tyson Smith and Edward Carter Preston came to an end after their grandchildren’s generation, with none of them having become a professional sculptor or artist.
Table of Contents
1. The context of Liverpool at the time
The beginning of an Artistic Liverpool
The Liverpool School of Applied Arts
2. Family Tree
Family background of the artists
The background of Edward Carter Preston
The background of Herbert Tyson Smith
3. The Individuals and their Careers
Edward Carter Preston: Painter, sculptor, medalist
Julia Carter Preston: Ceramicist and potter
Herbert Tyson Smith: Sculptor and medallist
4. Case Studies
Edward Carter Preston and the Liverpool Cathedral
Herbert Tyson Smith and the Martins Bank Building
5. The Relationship of Architecture and Sculpture in Liverpool 1880-1950
The 70 years of Architectural sculpture in the City
Discussion and Conclusion: Comparison and Contrast of the Artists
Research Objectives and Focus
This study examines the intertwined careers and artistic contributions of Edward Carter Preston and Herbert Tyson Smith, aiming to analyze their roles in the architectural transformation of Liverpool between 1880 and 1950 and to evaluate the significance of their collaborative and independent works in the city’s urban landscape.
- The influence of the Liverpool School of Applied Arts on local artistic development.
- The intersection of sculpture and architecture in key Liverpool landmarks.
- Collaborative dynamics within the Sandon Studios Society.
- Comparative analysis of artistic techniques and professional backgrounds.
- The evolution of architectural sculpture and public memorialization in 20th-century Liverpool.
Excerpt from the Book
The Background of Edward Carter Preston
Edward Carter Preston (fig.2.1) lived between 1884-1965, and he was a successful and inspirational artist, sculptor and medalist. His artistic skills took him a step forward and he was also very familiar with painting, glassware and wood carving. Edward was part of a family whose background was based in the world of commerce and he decided not to follow the family’s tradition but to take up an artistic career. He was the oldest of four siblings (Winifred, Albert and Jessie), and he always wanted to be a good example for them.1 Further, Edward’s grandfather William, was a successful brewer who moved in Liverpool during the 1850’s from North Lancashire. William became one of the most renowned brewers in the area by 1861 and Edward’s father Robert John was to continue this family tradition after his father died in 1872.
Carter Preston lived in the family’s house in Walton, Liverpool, where he was involved in many aspects of farming as well as brewery activities, helping his father since he was a small boy. Fields, trees and animals such as dogs, cats and horses were also part of his life at their house at Walton, Liverpool. These influences can be seen in many of his works throughout his career, including the Liverpool Cathedral project, the Royal Mint commissions and also in his late works in the form of mostly symbolic representation. The ‘’tradition of the spirit of Victorian self-reliance which was instilled into all the children at an early stage in their lives’’2 seemed to be an influence upon Edward, and later in his career, it became a characteristic of the man, who was described as an industrious and energetic professional in his commissions, by his colleagues, clients and friends.
Summary of Chapters
1. The context of Liverpool at the time: Discusses the economic growth and modernization of Liverpool during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, highlighting the transition of artistic influences and the establishment of the Liverpool School of Applied Arts.
2. Family Tree: Explores the personal and professional backgrounds of Edward Carter Preston and Herbert Tyson Smith, detailing their early influences and the role of their families in shaping their artistic careers.
3. The Individuals and their Careers: Analyzes the individual paths of the artists, focusing on their training, exhibition successes, and the evolution of their sculptural work throughout the First and Second World Wars.
4. Case Studies: Investigates the collaborative and independent commissions of the artists, with a specific focus on their monumental contributions to the Liverpool Cathedral and the Martins Bank Building.
5. The Relationship of Architecture and Sculpture in Liverpool 1880-1950: Examines the broader context of architectural sculpture in the city, comparing the two artists and drawing conclusions on their legacy within the changing urban environment.
Keywords
Edward Carter Preston, Herbert Tyson Smith, Liverpool, Architectural Sculpture, Martins Bank, Liverpool Cathedral, Sandon Studios, Beaux Arts, Arts and Crafts, Sculpture, Medals, Memorials, 20th Century Art, Urban Design, Ceramicist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this publication?
The work provides a comprehensive study of the life and career of two prominent Liverpool-based artists, Edward Carter Preston and Herbert Tyson Smith, and their impact on the city’s architectural identity.
What central themes are explored in this text?
Central themes include the intersection of fine arts and applied sciences, the influence of historical art movements like Beaux Arts and Arts and Crafts on British architecture, and the evolution of public commissions.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to document how these artists contributed to the distinct architectural landscape of Liverpool through their sculptures, medals, and collaborative projects, while comparing their distinct approaches.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The research relies on a combination of historical analysis, primary document review (including personal correspondence and archives), and site-specific observations of sculptural works.
What topics are covered in the main section of the book?
The main section covers personal biographies, the development of their careers within the context of the Sandon Studios, and detailed case studies of their work on landmark buildings like the Liverpool Cathedral.
Which keywords best characterize the publication?
The publication is defined by terms such as Edward Carter Preston, Herbert Tyson Smith, Liverpool, Architectural Sculpture, and the Arts and Crafts movement.
How did the relationship between the two artists influence their work?
The text suggests their relationship was a complex mix of personal friendship, marriage ties, and artistic competitiveness, which often led them to work on shared projects despite their stylistic differences.
Why are the case studies of the Liverpool Cathedral and Martins Bank significant?
These studies are significant because they demonstrate the artists' capacity to integrate decorative sculpture into monumental architecture, defining their reputation as leading figures in the city.
- Quote paper
- Panagiotis Konikkos (Author), 2012, The Carter Prestons and Tyson Smiths, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/285058
