Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Carved Oak Portrait Plaque to the Victorian era.
Overview
Made from earlier oak boards (very likely 18th century or earlier) and carved in the 19th century in a Gothic Revival style, it combines genuinely old timber with a documented historical figure, giving real depth, age and atmosphere.
Design
The centre shows a high-relief profile portrait of Massey with flowing hair, curled moustache and a clearly defined breastplate, carved in warm-toned fruitwood that contrasts beautifully with the darker tiger oak surround.
An architectural oak frame evokes battlements and castle walls, with a foliated arch, geometric side uprights, crenellated top and arcaded lower frieze. Around the outer border is the deeply cut inscription:
“COLONEL EDWARD MASSEY – GOVERNOUR OF THE CITY OF GLOUCESTER 1642”
with, above in gilt:
“GOVERNOR OF SUDELEY CASTLE 1644”
Beneath the bust hangs a heraldic shield with chevrons and roundels, flanked at the lower corners by vigorous green-man / lion-mask carvings typical of Gothic Revival work.
Historical Note
Edward Massey (c.1619–1674) was a prominent Parliamentarian commander, famous for his defence of Gloucester in 1643, later Governor of Sudeley Castle, wounded at Worcester and imprisoned in the Tower before returning to the Royalist cause. After the Restoration he was knighted and served as MP for Gloucester. This plaque commemorates his role and will appeal to collectors of English Civil War material, early political history and heraldic portraiture.
Collecting Context
The carver is unknown, as is usual for such work, but the style sits firmly within the 19th-century Gothic Revival associated with figures like Sir George Gilbert Scott: romantic historic heads set in architectural niches with heraldry and inscriptions.
This blend of old timber, Gothic detail and a named sitter is exactly what has long attracted oak connoisseurs, from the days of Percy Macquoid and Victor Chinnery to present-day collectors and decorators seeking authentic “country-house” character.
Why It Works So Well
Genuine age: earlier oak boards with old tool marks and deep colour.
Named Civil War figure, not a generic portrait.
Strong decorative presence: almost 70 cm high and about 6 kg.
Rich detailing: fruitwood bust, heraldic shield, masks and gilt lettering.
Ideal above a fireplace, staircase, in a hall, library or study.
Dimensions
Height: 68.3 cm
Width: 52 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm
Weight: just under 6 kg
Provenance
From an overseas private collection and a notable Channel Islands auction house; later in the collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Offered as an antique decorative carved plaque of Colonel Sir Edward Massey. Buyers should study the photographs and rely on their own judgement.
Condition
An antique decorative panel with honest age and wear, in good, sound, presentable condition. Scuffs, grazes, scratches, small chips and minor losses to some high points are visible, consistent with long display. As expected with old oak, there are age-related splits and slight separations in the timber; these appear stable and add to its character.
The colour shows attractive variation, with old stains, darker areas and a rich patina. The reverse bears evidence of old repairs and later screws used to secure the panel. A hanging wire is fitted; due to the weight, the new owner should check and, if necessary, upgrade wire and wall fixings.
Professionally packed, fully insured worldwide shipping available.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Carved Oak Portrait Plaque to the Victorian era.
Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles
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Gothic Revival Oak & Fruitwood Portrait Plaque of Colonel Sir Edward Massey
