ARCHIBALD KNOX: HISTORY & VALUATIONS
Have you ever wondered what your piece of Archibald Knox silver is worth?
Find out more about the history of Archibald Knox and get in touch using the form below for a free valuation.
How we can help you sell your Archibald Knox silver
Archibald Knox silver is highly collectable due to Knox’s recognition for his designs for Liberty & Co. for which he initially received no recognition.
If you are considering selling a piece of Archibald Knox silver, use the free valuation form on this page. Find out more about Archibald Knox in the history section of this page.
The Market for Archibald Knox silver in 2020
The market for Archibald Knox silver has been on the rise in recent years as Knox gains recognition for his work for Liberty & Co.
There is now more than ever an appreciation of the role of the artist or maker, and Archibald Knox is no exception. Prices have been rising, with rare pieces commanding higher premiums.
More than ever condition is key and collectors discriminate against even the smallest imperfection.
Free Valuations Of Your
Archibald Knox silver
Receive a free valuation for your Archibald Knox silver
Where possible please send us a picture of your piece as this will help speed up the process of giving you a valuation.
Selling your Archibald Knox silver with Mark Littler Ltd.
Send us details about your silver directly via email or use the form below.
We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.
If you decide to proceed with an offer we issue you with a contract.
Send us your silver. We have a fully insured courier service available.
We complete the sale with the buyer and send your funds via BACS.
Auction or Private Sale?
If you are deciding on how to sell your Archibald Knox silver we can have a no-obligation chat on the best options for you. We can either make a personal introduction to the best saleroom based on your location and item free of charge. Or we can look into collecting you some no-obligation offers for a private sale, which could save you considerably in commission.
In a nutshell here are the main pros and cons of each option:
- Auctions can provide an increased market exposure (when you choose the right saleroom) but their gross fees can reach as much as 50%, and the payout times can be drawn out.
- Private sales leave you in control of the price, and can be completed quickly but there is no chance of ‘buyers fever’ driving up prices.
Mark Littler Ltd. are one of the only independent advisers in the antique industry. We offer trusted, independent advice to help you sell your Knox silver for the highest possible price.
A History of Archibald Knox
Archibald Knox was the principal designer for Liberty & Co.’s silver range Cymric. Knox was not a very well known name, even when he was designing for Liberty. However, soon thereafter Archibald Knox’s designs became recognisable purely for their original and beautiful execution.
Knox was born on the Isle of Man in 1864 and educated at Douglas School of Art. He was awarded his Art Master’s Certificate in 1889. During his time at school, he developed a fascination with Celtic art – something that heavily influenced his designs for Liberty & Co.
In 1884, Knox started teaching at Douglas School of Art, whilst he was still a student, illustrating his prowess for his craft. In 1897, Knox moved to a different teaching post in Surrey, and then in 1898 through the Silver Studio, he was connected with Liberty & Co. From 1900-1904, Knox lived on the Isle of Man and sent over 400 designs directly to Liberty for use in their Cymric range. Knox also designed for Liberty & Co. pewter, jewellery, carpets, and garden ornaments.
Due to Liberty & Co.’s policy regarding their branding, Knox received no recognition for his work at the time he was designing. Liberty & Co. had the mark “Designed by Liberty & Co.” placed on all of their products, meaning that all of their designers remained anonymous.
On his return to London, Knox worked at Kingston Art School until 1912, the same time he stopped designing for Liberty & Co. Knox resigned from his teaching post, apparently due to criticism over his innovative teaching methods. He then left for America. A large number of Knox’s students also resigned in protest of his departure. They then set up the Knox Guild of Design and Craft in Kingston-Upon-Thames. They regarded him as a master of design. The guild ran until 1937.
It is theorised that, at some point in his life, Knox briefly studied under Dr Christopher Dresser, a designer who was not averse to the use of machinery in creating his designs. This link is thought to have been made due to the fact that Knox’s designs were often more functional than other Arts and Crafts designs at the time.
The genius of Archibald Knox was seemingly not realised by the masses at the time he was designing. Nowadays, however, Archibald Knox’s designs are now recognisable often just by glancing at them. His distinctive Celtic Revival style became synonymous with Liberty & Co., and despite not being able to put his name on his pieces, Knox became one of the most influential designers in British Art Nouveau at the time.
What is your piece of Archibald Knox silver worth?
Where possible please send us a picture of your piece as this will help speed up the process of giving you a valuation.
Have you ever wondered what your piece of Archibald Knox silver is worth?
Find out more about the history of the designer Archibald Knox and get in touch using the form below for a free valuation.
How we can help you sell your Archibald Knox silver
Archibald Knox silver is highly collectable due to Knox’s recognition for his designs for Liberty & Co. for which he initially received no recognition.
If you are considering selling a piece of Archibald Knox silver, use the free valuation form on this page. Find out more about Archibald Knox in the history section of this page.
Receive a free valuation for your Archibald Knox Silver
Where possible please send us a picture of your piece as this will help speed up the process of giving you a valuation.
Selling your Archibald Knox silver with Mark Littler Ltd.
Send us details about your silver directly via email or use the form below.
We contact our international network of customers for the best offers.
If you decide to proceed with an offer we issue you with a contract.
Send us your silver. We have a fully insured courier service available.
We complete the sale with the buyer and send your funds via BACS.
Auction or Private Sale?
If you are deciding on how to sell your Archibald Knox silver we can have a no obligation chat on the best options for you. We can either make a personal introduction to the best saleroom based on your location and item free of charge. Or we can look into collecting you some no obligation offers for a private sale, which could save you considerably in commission.
In a nutshell here are the main pros and cons of each option:
- Auctions can provide an increased market exposure (when you choose the right saleroom) but their gross fees can reach as much as 50%, and the payout times can be drawn out.
- Private sales leave you in control of the price, and can be completed quickly but there is no chance of ‘buyers fever’ driving up prices.
Mark Littler Ltd. are one of the only independent advisers in the antique industry. We offer trusted, independent advice to help you sell your Knox silver for the highest possible price.
A History of Archibald Knox
Archibald Knox was the principal designer for Liberty & Co.’s silver range Cymric. Knox was not a very well known name, even when he was designing for Liberty. However, soon thereafter Archibald Knox’s designs became recognisable purely for their original and beautiful execution.
Knox was born on the Isle of Man in 1864 and educated at Douglas School of Art. He was awarded his Art Master’s Certificate in 1889. During his time at school, he developed a fascination with Celtic art – something that heavily influenced his designs for Liberty & Co.
In 1884, Knox started teaching at Douglas School of Art, whilst he was still a student, illustrating his prowess for his craft. In 1897, Knox moved to a different teaching post in Surrey, and then in 1898 through the Silver Studio, he was connected with Liberty & Co. From 1900-1904, Knox lived on the Isle of Man and sent over 400 designs directly to Liberty for use in their Cymric range. Knox also designed for Liberty & Co. pewter, jewellery, carpets, and garden ornaments.
Due to Liberty & Co.’s policy regarding their branding, Knox received no recognition for his work at the time he was designing. Liberty & Co. had the mark “Designed by Liberty & Co.” placed on all of their products, meaning that all of their designers remained anonymous.
On his return to London, Knox worked at Kingston Art School until 1912, the same time he stopped designing for Liberty & Co. Knox resigned from his teaching post, apparently due to criticism over his innovative teaching methods. He then left for America. A large number of Knox’s students also resigned in protest of his departure. They then set up the Knox Guild of Design and Craft in Kingston-Upon-Thames. They regarded him as a master of design. The guild ran until 1937.
It is theorised that, at some point in his life, Knox briefly studied under Dr Christopher Dresser, a designer who was not averse to the use of machinery in creating his designs. This link is thought to have been made due to the fact that Knox’s designs were often more functional than other Arts and Crafts designs at the time.
The genius of Archibald Knox was seemingly not realised by the masses at the time he was designing. Nowadays, however, Archibald Knox’s designs are now recognisable often just by glancing at them. His distinctive Celtic Revival style became synonymous with Liberty & Co., and despite not being able to put his name on his pieces, Knox became one of the most influential designers in British Art Nouveau at the time.
Receive a free valuation for your Archibald Knox Silver
Where possible please send us a picture of your piece as this will help speed up the process of giving you a valuation.