FDA-A.2308-2021
Parts
Object number
FDA-A.2308-2021
Object type
Identification
Title
Macnaghten Library Eton Armorial
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Art Deco polychrome painted and parcel-gilt carved oak armorial boss of cartouche form, scrolled cresting centred by a polychrome shield with the Eton armorial
Comments
This armorial boss was designed by the Architect Edmond Lancelot (‘Bear) Warre and relates to the decorative scheme and several pieces of furniture made for the Macnaghten Library (the room now known as the Macnaghten Room), within the School Library at Eton College.
In August 1929, the Vice-Provost Hugh Macnaghten, a former House Master, was declared missing. His body was later discovered in the Thames. He had suffered the loss of a great number of Old Boys, known personally to him, during the War. Eugen Millington-Drake, a boy in Hugh Macnaghten's house from 1901 to 1908, was deeply affected by the loss of his former House Master and had also seen many of his contemporaries at Eton killed in the War. The latter was inspired to establish a memorial to both his House Master, Macnaghten, and the 53 former boys of their house, as well as eight other Eton friends of Millington-Drake. The project would culminate in the redevelopment of a section of the School Hall and Library buildings: a new Myers Museum was created at the back of School Hall and the former museum interior in School Library was redesigned to become the Macnaghten Library. Edmond Lancelot (‘Bear) Warre, son of the former Head Master and Provost, Edmond Warre, was the architect.
This armorial, bearing the arms of Eton College, was designed to hang from the wall panelling over the east door of the Macnaghten Room, above the list of the fallen.
In August 1929, the Vice-Provost Hugh Macnaghten, a former House Master, was declared missing. His body was later discovered in the Thames. He had suffered the loss of a great number of Old Boys, known personally to him, during the War. Eugen Millington-Drake, a boy in Hugh Macnaghten's house from 1901 to 1908, was deeply affected by the loss of his former House Master and had also seen many of his contemporaries at Eton killed in the War. The latter was inspired to establish a memorial to both his House Master, Macnaghten, and the 53 former boys of their house, as well as eight other Eton friends of Millington-Drake. The project would culminate in the redevelopment of a section of the School Hall and Library buildings: a new Myers Museum was created at the back of School Hall and the former museum interior in School Library was redesigned to become the Macnaghten Library. Edmond Lancelot (‘Bear) Warre, son of the former Head Master and Provost, Edmond Warre, was the architect.
This armorial, bearing the arms of Eton College, was designed to hang from the wall panelling over the east door of the Macnaghten Room, above the list of the fallen.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 800mm
width (actual size): 280mm
depth (actual size): 280mm
width (actual size): 280mm
depth (actual size): 280mm
Material
oak
paint
gilding
iron
paint
gilding
iron
Physical description
Polychrome painted and parcel-gilt carved oak boss; of cartouche form, with a scrolled cresting centred by a polychrome shield with the Eton armorial on a blue and red ground, the whole carved with rocialle, scrolls, gadroons and foliage; iron fixing at base
Production
Person
Warre, Edmond Lancelot, 1877 - 1961 (Architect)
Date
c.1937
