This attractive and finely decorated cast-iron stick or umbrella stand is stamped with a diamond lozenge registration mark for 20th November 1869; a period of great change; the cogs of the second industrial revolution were beginning to turn, and interest in decorative arts gained momentum. Foundries at Falkirk, Coalbrookdale, and Carron, amongst others, were starting to produce designs by celebrated artists such as Christopher Dresser. Soon after, a broad range of lavishly decorated cast iron domestic wares, the like of which have not yet been surpassed, began to appear in homes and gardens around the country. This particular cast-iron stand was manufactured at the beginning of this golden period of production and design. When we discovered this piece, many layers of paint obscured the fine decorative detail. However, once these were removed and the surface sensitively burnished and lacquered the stand was restored to its former glory. This piece is in lovely original condition with no...