Ivorex Plaque ‘Grey Friars Interior Coventry’

Grey Friars Interior Coventry (Ref: O/35), is a specific design in the Osborne Ivorex series of 3D wall plaques, created by artist Arthur Osborne. These plaques typically feature high-relief depictions of historical buildings or interior scenes, hand-painted and finished with a characteristic wax coating that resembles ivory.

This plaque is a rare find and measures 20cm high, 15.5cm wide, and 2.3cm deep. It is part of a larger Coventry collection by Arthur Osborne, which also includes “Coventry the City of the Three Spires” (Ref: O/59) and “Coventry Cathedral” (Ref: O/218). It depicts Grey Friars Interior Coventry, a site historically home to Franciscan friars known for their humble churches. Only one is available.

Specifications
Manufacturer: Produced by the B. Osborne Company in Faversham, Kent, England (1899 – 1965)
Date: Antique, made between 1899 and 1914
Production Process: Arthur Osborne carved a master design in clay, often using postcards as a reference. A gelatine mould was then used to cast the plaques in plaster of Paris
Finish: After air-drying, each piece was hand-painted with watercolours and dipped in hot paraffin wax, which was buffed to create a durable, ivory-like sheen
Markings: engraved “AO” on the front lower left corner, with Ivorex, Osborne Copyright, Made in England, stamped on the reverse, which has faded however still visible.
Condition: Very Good

Authentication
The “AO” Mark: Authenticates the carving as an original Arthur Osborne master, as is the faded stamp on the reverse.
Brass Rings: Confirms the early pre-WWI production date, estimated between 1899 and 1914
Original Wire: A rare survival that adds to the untouched provenance of the piece