Cradle
by SHAW, Richard Norman, Carved oak with gilt and painted decoration and leather straps, 114 x 110 x 53 cm (with hood fully back)
The cradle was designed by Richard Norman Shaw for the son of the architect Alfred Waterhouse (1830-1905). At this time a number of architects and artists were becoming engaged in the design and decoration of furniture, stimulated by the activities of William Morris and William Burges. The use of oak, a native English wood, straight rather than curved lines, and painted decoration inspired by Medieval furniture, are typical of architect-designed furniture in this period.