Brass magazine rack by William Tonks & Son 1890s

Aesthetic movement antique brass & wood magazine rack by william tonks & son, 1890`s ca, english. This antique magazine rack has been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina. This magazine rack was made by william tonks & son in the aesthetic movement style which flourished in britain between 1860-1900. The sophisticated design was intended to bring beauty to everyday objects, escaping the ugliness & materialism of the industrial age. It has the manufacturer`s signature stamp underneath the wooden base: "wt&s" plus the sunshine symbol. The contrast between the black & gold surfaces, tubular & square shapes, traditional & geometric motifs, make this magazine rack a good example of the aesthetic movement style. Aesthetic artists drew inspiration from various cultures & periods, in this example from ancient greek art, with the decorative sunflower pattern on the brass. The sunflower symbolizes lasting happiness and adoration, key principles of aestheticism. The true faith and loyalty to something that is much bigger and brighter than themselves. It relates to self-respect, which means being authentic and embracing your own individuality. This rich eclecticism is one of the aesthetic movement`s most intriguing characteristics making this rack fitting for interiors today. The slender classical form & elegant proportions make this piece well sized for any room. Would look good on a desk or on the floor. They would suit a range of interiors such as antique, arts & crafts, traditional, hollywood regency or contemporary. The design consists of a rectangular solid english oak base from which emerge two decorative brass panels with a central brass arched tubular handle.the chamfered stepped wooden rectangular base has round corners. The original gloss black lacquer is present, together with the four original antique gilt bronze decorative ball feet. The feet add weight & stability to the piece. The manufacturer`s signature is stamped underneath: "wt&s".