Frederick James Partridge


Frederick James Partridge was an English jeweller, silversmith and teacher of jewellery making, active circa 1901–1930. His works are in the Art Nouveau style. He has been called the "British René Lalique".

Origins

He was born in Barnstaple, North Devon, the son of David Partridge and his wife Mary Ann Hunt. His elder sister Ethel Mairet was a notable weaver, textile designer and dyer who wrote several books on hand-weaving.

Career

He studied at Birmingham Municipal School of Art where he shared lodgings with Henry Payne, painter and stained glass designer. After two years teaching at the Camberwell School of Art in London and spending time at the Barnstaple Guild of Metalwork and at the Guild and School of Handicraft in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire, where his sister Ethel also studied, he established himself as an artist and art jeweller, at some time before 1911 and worked from a studio in Dean Street, London. Amongst his clients was the department store Liberty & Co in Regent Street, London.

Marriage

His wife, May Hart Partridge, was an art enameller who studied at the Birmingham School of Art. She was "the most notorious pupil of Arthur Gaskin". Her works are mainly in the Arts and Crafts style. She later worked at London County Council schools and at home.

Works

Two of Fred Partridge's works from 1928 are in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, a brooch and a ring, the latter of silver set with a baguette amethyst, made for his daughter Joan. A brooch is in the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery.