A large and important Arts and Crafts movement Automobile Association and Motor Union silver presentation charger, by Omar Ramsden, 1922,

Footnotes

Provenance: Right Honourable Sir William Joynson-Hicks later, 1st Viscount Brentford (1865-1932) and thence by descent
Purchased by the current owner from the sale of the collection of Sir William Joynson-Hicks

The presentation to Sir William Joynson-Hicks is recorded on Page 144 giving the exact date of May 30th 1923, 'AA , History of the Automobile Association 1905-1980' - by Hugh Barty-King

William Joynson-Hicks, 1st Viscount Brentford, PC, PC (NI), DL (23 June 1865 – 8 June 1932), known as Sir William Joynson-Hicks, Bt, from 1919 to 1929 and popularly known as 'Jix', was an English solicitor and Conservative Party politician.

After a career as a solicitor he entered politics, after several failed attempts to enter Parliament he did so by defeating Winston Churchill. At that time a Liberal Cabinet Minister, in a by-election for the seat of North-West Manchester in 1908. He is later better known as a long-serving Home Secretary in Stanley Baldwin's Second Government from 1924 to 1929. He had an authoritarian reputation, opposing Communism and opposing aspects of the 'Roaring twenties'.

Joynson-Hicks was an early authority on transport law, particularly motoring law. While also being a keen motor enthusiast. In 1906 he published "The Law of Heavy and Light Mechanical Traction on Highways". He had a reputation as an evangelical lawyer while having a paradoxical interest in the latest technology: motor cars; which he was an avid collector.

In 1907 he became Chairman of the Motor Union, presiding over the merger with The Automobile Association in 1911, serving as Chairman of the merged body until 1922. Which the bound badges in the centre of the charger represent. One of his first actions was to assert the legality of AA patrols warning motorists of police speed traps.

He was further involved with motoring institutions also serving as President of the Lancashire Commercial Motor Users' Association of the National Threshing machine Owners' Association, and of the National Traction engine Association.

OMAR RAMSDEN (1873–1939)

Omar Ramsden was one of the most successful silversmiths of his generation, producing high quality silver distinguishable by his commitment to craftsmanship, innovative design, and his role in the British Arts and Crafts movement. Coming from Sheffield, a city with a rich history in metalwork, Omar Ramsden was well placed to develop his skills in silversmithing. In 1898, Ramsden established a partnership with Alwyn Carr (1872-1940), another like-minded silversmith, and together they founded the firm Ramsden and Carr based in London.

The Arts and Crafts movement in Britain was born out of an increasing understanding that society needed to adopt a different set of priorities in relation to the manufacture of objects. Artistic creatives such as Ramsden wanted to develop products that not only had more integrity, but were also made in a less dehumanising way. He therefore championed handcrafted goods over mass-produced items, believing in the inherent artistic expression of the craftsman, and the intrinsic value of simplicity, utility and beauty. Known for his inventive designs, he often drew inspiration from medieval, Celtic, and Norse art. He was adept at combining various materials and techniques to create pieces that were both beautiful and functional. Many of his pieces feature hand-hammered surfaces, which became his signature technique.

Ramsden and Carr therefore maintained a workshop that was aligned with the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement, employing skilled craftsmen, ensuring fair working conditions, and fostering a collaborative environment. Even after his partnership with Alwyn Carr ended in 1919, Ramsden's success continued to grow while still maintaining these ideals. His innate business sense and ability to develop such an appealing house style, led his workshop to be remarkably productive, producing a variety of silver items including jewellery, tableware, ecclesiastical pieces, and decorative objects.

Ramsden's work therefore is instantly recognisable by its high quality workmanship, attention to detail, and unique design. Pieces created by Ramsden bear his hallmark, and often include the inscription 'Omar Ramsden Me Fecit' (Omar Ramsden Made Me). During his lifetime, Ramsden's work was exhibited widely, garnering national and international acclaim, and winning various prestigious awards. His silver career was marked by his dedication to his craft, his innovative approach and his influential role in the Arts and Crafts movement. This commitment to quality and artistic expression, set a high standard for future generations of craftsmen.