Coade's Artificial Stone Manufactory English, circa 1840

the coat of arms inscribed with: .IEU ET M.. D…., HONI SO.T QUI MAL Y PENSE

private estate, Denbighshire, Wales

The coat of arms was designed to be outdoors so there is wear and dirt to the surface throughout, with particular dirt to the crevices. There are various losses to the coat of arms, in particular to the garlands and drapes. The legs and tail and various other elements of the crowning lion are lost: three legs are lost and one is detached. There is a loss to the top of the lion's crown and to the larger crown. The unicorn's hair, ears and most of its legs are lost. The sculpture is composed in sections and original open joints are visible. Some of the components are slightly loose. Otherwise the condition is stable.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Much mystery surrounds the life of Eleanor Coade and her decision to venture into the business of artificial stone manufacturing. Her famous Coade Factory was based in Lambeth, London, which is now part of the area occupied by the Southbank Centre. William Croggan, Mrs Coade’s nephew, managed the factory following the death of her partner John Sealy in 1813, which is why many works are known to be marked with either Sealy or Croggan. Throughout its history spanning from 1769-1840, the factory produced a vast array of products such as architectural and garden ornaments, decorative details, statues and monuments. ‘Coade stone’ as it is known was of exceptional quality, and was the only kind of artificial stone at the time to be resilient to frost and other forms of harsh outdoor exposure. The high standards of design and quality upheld by Coade were noticed by London’s most highly regarded 19th century architects including Robert Adam, James Wyatt, John Nash and Sir John Soane, each of whom commissioned works. Coade’s most prestigious work was at Buckingham Palace which was rebuilt by Nash in 1825.

The artificial stone produced by the Coade Factory was unique in that it was a ceramic material containing a large proportion of ground pre-fired stoneware with a glass stabiliser added to it, which was rolled into sheets and pressed into reusable moulds. Because most works were cast in sections before firing, they could easily be altered to suit the client’s individual wishes. For example, the mould for the statue of Urania could be transformed into Flora when flowers were added to it. Mrs Coade’s energy and enthusiasm for promoting her business is reflected in a catalogue that she published in 1784 listing 778 available items. The Royal Arms of George III can be found listed in this catalogue under ‘XIV Coats of Arms, 429 His Majesty’s on a Pannel’ (4 feet 6 in. by 3 feet 10 in.) and was priced at £15 and 15 shillings. In addition, number ‘431 A Plume of Feathers’ (2 feet 4 in. high) could be included for £2,12 shillings and 6 pence.

The Coade Factory received the Royal Warrant to supply some commodity or service, and was therefore allowed to display, create and sell the Royal Arms. A Coat of Arms of Queen Victoria can be found in Suffolk Street, Westminster, behind the Haymarket. Coade’s Royal Arms were also used by the Royal Family: the Lion on one pier and the Unicorn on the other can be seen on the entrance to Kensington Palace. A 19^th century illustration of the Coade factory depicts a coat of arms over the entranceway which is strikingly similar to the present arms (op. cit. Kelly, p. 48).

RELATED LITERATURE

A Descriptive Catalogue of Coade’s Artificial Stone Manufactory, London, 1784, p. 19, nos. 429, 430, 431, 432; A. Kelly, Mrs Coade’s Stone, Worcester, 1990, pp. 48, 274, 275-277; I. Roscoe, A Bibliographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain 1660-1851, London 2009, pp. 282-296