Jewellery
Louis Osman (Exeter 1914 - 1996)
Category
Jewellery
Date
1970
Materials
Gold and diamond
Order this imageCollection
Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
NT 495544.1
Summary
A gold and diamond ring. The ring has a broad, concave planished band and is applied with a square boxed hinge. The hinge suspends a stylised ‘tassel’ of three, free-moving graduating bars. Each bar terminates with a cube inset with a faceted, pear-shaped brilliant cut diamond, with only the tip of each diamond exposed. See also accompanying pen and watercolour design drawing (494544.2)
Full description
The architect and goldsmith Louis Osman (1914-1996) was tenant of the Dryden family at Canons Ashby between 1968 and 1980. He lived and worked at the property, setting up a workshop with his wife, enameller Dilys Osman (formerly Roberts), and employing a team of specialist craftspeople. At Canons Ashby, Osman fulfilled a series of major commissions, notably the Prince of Wales’s Investiture Coronet worn by then Prince Charles in 1969 and a showcase for the Magna Carta, a gift from the British government to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence in 1976. With faceted diamond shanks that appear to emerge out of their textured, gold cube settings and a stylised ‘tassel’ comprising three free-moving bars, the ring has both movement and an unformed, organic aesthetic, which was characteristic of Osman’s work. It was made in 1970, during the Osmans’ tenancy at Canons Ashby. The ring was displayed in the 1974 exhibition of Osman’s work held in the Long Gallery of the house when it was described in the exhibition catalogue as No. 93, ‘A yellow gold 18 carat ring with hanging tassel formed with diamond chips. 1970. Unique’.
Provenance
Ring, with original design drawing, designed and made by Louis Osman (1914-1996) in 1970 for his daughter, Marie-Louise Osman (1942-2021), by whom bequeathed to the last private owner. Consigned to auction at Noonans, Mayfair, 28 November 2023, lot 342 and purchased by the National Trust for Canons Ashby.
Makers and roles
Louis Osman (Exeter 1914 - 1996), creator