Silver diadem (headpiece) by Evan Jones
Object No. 94/136/1
This Greek-style diadem was made by Evan Jones (1846-1917), a noted Sydney silversmith in about 1880. It is engraved with a profile of Athena, the Greek goddess of War and Wisdom who fought for the the defence of just causes. Athena is wearring a petatsu helmet among laurel leaves and the Greek key pattern. It originally came from the estate of Charles Badham, the Professor of Classics and Logic at the University of Sydney between 1867 and 1884. The diadem belonged to Charles Badham, the Professor of Classics and Logic at the University of Sydney. It may have been presented to Badham in 1883 on the occasion of his 70th birthday banquet, held in recognition of his contribution to education in New South Wales. The Greek goddess Athena, was valued as a warrior, using brand new concepts like arithmetic to secure victories for the Greeks. Born in England, Evan Jones was a leading silversmith, watchmaker, medalist and jeweller in Sydney between about 1873 and 1917. At the age of twelve Jones was an apprentice at Hardy Bros and later gained experience at the renowned firm of Hogarth, Erichsen & Co, and Christian L Qwist. His business was first listed in the Sydney Directory for 1873 at 15 Hunter Street, a former address of CL Qwist. He established several branches in the city in the 1890s, however his principal workshop was in Erskine Street. Jones frequently exhibited in colonial and international exhibitions. It was reported, for example, that in the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879 (Australia's first), he showed " emu's eggs ...mounted in 101 different ways". Jones also produced gold and silver racing cups, rowing and sculling trophies, decorative tableware as well as impressive silver epergens with Australian motifs. Surviving jewellery by Evan Jones is rare. This diadem is the only example of its kind known to have been made in 19th century Australia. Eva Czernis-Ryl, Curator, 1994
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Summary
Object Statement
Diadem, silver gilt, Evan Jones, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c. 1880
Physical Description
Diadem, silver gilt, Evan Jones, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, c. 1880 Diadem of solid silver sheet with surface lightly gilded. Headpiece has a raised triangular peak at front, the sides angle slightly forward as they rise from the bottom edge and taper gently as the curve around to squared ends (the back is open providing an overall horse-shoe shape). Finely edged with a continuous thickened band of square section. Decorated with engraved borders of continuous Greek key pattern and features the engraved profile of a Greek goddess [Athena] at centre front. Profile wearing a helmet [petasus] placed to the back of her head The petasus has laurel leaves rising from the sides at the front and a long tail falling from the fluted crown, three strands of braided hair trail from under the helmet at the back. The plain interior surface has a lightly hammered texture. D-shaped fastening ring soldered to the inside surface adjacent to each squared end (so that the diadem can be fastened by means of a strap or ribbon - this fastening device is missing). Together with a fitted presentation box (modern).
DIMENSIONS
Height
57 mm
Width
168 mm
Depth
165 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
Made by Evan Jones, probably at 11 Hunter Street, Sydney premises which he occupied between between 1875 and 1892.
HISTORY
Notes
Originally from the estate of Charles Badham (1813-1884), Professor of Classics and Logic at the University of Sydney from 1867 to 1884.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Purchased 1994
Acquisition Date
16 June 1994
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