Also, there are A LOT of Jabberwocky references here, both in the contemporary review and the names of some of the auctioned pieces, which thrilled my Lewis Carroll-loving heart. Any sense of how that association came to be? The Martins didn't call them by those names did they?
Yes! Robert was actually good friends with Lewis Carroll, and Carroll would often come over to the shop. He also knew Ruskin, and their shared fascination with the gothic is definitely apparent, too. From what I can tell, though, Robert didn’t specifically name anything - he sculpted the things and then handed them off to the others for glazing and signing. So I think Phillips took some definite liberties there with the lot names. Marketing!
In general, though, Robert worked to the beat of his own drum, and was getting more and more extreme with his designs and infuriating Charles - but the more fanciful pieces were the most popular, then and now. (He was also ultra-fundamental-Christian religious, and would lecture people to death, leading close associates to describe him as “profoundly unpleasant” at times.) The guy was pretty fascinating, as was the whole family; they really needed more space than just an email. It seems like poor Edwin was the brother who toiled away cleaning up everybody else’s shit, and then suffered through brutal surgeries for his facial cancer and died horribly. Awful. But you can’t get much more Victorian than these eccentric little creatures emerging from a studio full of big ideas, big personalities, and constant chaos and poverty and illness.
May 14, 2022·edited May 14, 2022Liked by Monica McLaughlin
Mwah. The whole flipping menagerie is adorable. Love that all are snarky and the backstory about the brothers is fascinating. You’d have to be a bit crazy and have a sense of humor to imagine these creatures—so much personality in such small forms. They have abundant mischievous humor. They remind me of the underground Disney cel of Donald Duck as the Zeus as a swan with Leda—so wrong but so funnily right.
I love that cursed crab with my whole heart!!!
Also, there are A LOT of Jabberwocky references here, both in the contemporary review and the names of some of the auctioned pieces, which thrilled my Lewis Carroll-loving heart. Any sense of how that association came to be? The Martins didn't call them by those names did they?
This was thoroughly delightful!
Yes! Robert was actually good friends with Lewis Carroll, and Carroll would often come over to the shop. He also knew Ruskin, and their shared fascination with the gothic is definitely apparent, too. From what I can tell, though, Robert didn’t specifically name anything - he sculpted the things and then handed them off to the others for glazing and signing. So I think Phillips took some definite liberties there with the lot names. Marketing!
In general, though, Robert worked to the beat of his own drum, and was getting more and more extreme with his designs and infuriating Charles - but the more fanciful pieces were the most popular, then and now. (He was also ultra-fundamental-Christian religious, and would lecture people to death, leading close associates to describe him as “profoundly unpleasant” at times.) The guy was pretty fascinating, as was the whole family; they really needed more space than just an email. It seems like poor Edwin was the brother who toiled away cleaning up everybody else’s shit, and then suffered through brutal surgeries for his facial cancer and died horribly. Awful. But you can’t get much more Victorian than these eccentric little creatures emerging from a studio full of big ideas, big personalities, and constant chaos and poverty and illness.
It pleases me enormously that they were friends with Lewis Carroll. That is exactly right.
Poor Edwin though! Facial cancer sounds horrific. I don't even want to think about that.
These things are tremendous! I need to bring that pitcher, full of rum punch, to my next am Directors meeting.
I mean, if they’re going to force you into an on-site meeting, you might as well bring a friend.
I was just explaining to my husband how much I love your newsletter. Thank you for your mahi!
I’m so glad - thanks for the vote of confidence!
Mwah. The whole flipping menagerie is adorable. Love that all are snarky and the backstory about the brothers is fascinating. You’d have to be a bit crazy and have a sense of humor to imagine these creatures—so much personality in such small forms. They have abundant mischievous humor. They remind me of the underground Disney cel of Donald Duck as the Zeus as a swan with Leda—so wrong but so funnily right.
Oh dear GOD - I’ve never seen that cel, but what an image you’ve just put in my mind! Lol
The person who told me swore it was the truth and that they had seen it, but I never have. It recasts Disney cartoons that’s for sure.
oh no re labourers wages and the awful conditions of their work but also oh no re that cursèd man crab
I am on the fence re: cursèd man crab. I love him? but also he’s profoundly unsettling and I don’t want him near me
Where have these been all my life??!!
Aren’t they wonderful?! I’m always so happy when one pops up in a sale.