Jorden, Richard (SCC Newsletter November 1994)

RICHARD JORDEN. 1779 fl. 

A comment on his cut-out work.

Four silhouettes (1 lady and 3 gentlemen) attributed to Richard Jorden were for sale at Bonhams on 20th. September, 1994. All were cut-outs. Mrs. McKechnie in her Book did not recognise any cut-out work by Richard Jorden - she took the view that he painted on paper in addition to his better known work on glass. Whereas she accepted that his brother Walter only painted on glass.

Martin Riley, a member of the Collectors' Club, who has also written a number of published articles on silhouettes - wrote a short paper a few years ago. In this paper he raised doubts about Mrs. McKechnie's view that Richard Jorden painted on paper. He thought she was misled, as she had not been able to see examples of his painted work - she was only able to reproduce these from Weymer Mills or E. Neville Jackson. (see p. 491 nos. 863 & 864 - photocopies above, also p. 162 no.239.) Also, to add further weight Mr. Riley had noticed writing at the back of two cut-out silhouettes that he owned. This writing was by the same hand as that on a glass example of Richard Jorden's work. (see p. 593. no. 1120.) This confirmed his view that the painted work was actually cut-out. This view was reiterated in a note in the Bonham's sale catalogue for 20th. September, 1994. I recently had cause to look at Frances Wellesley's catalogue of the sale of his "Collection of Silhouette Portraits - which took place on June, l9th. 1917. I noted two items in particular. I quote:-

no. 24. The Kingsley Family a pair - paper cut-out and a lady……………………………

(this pair are illustrated in Mrs. K. p. 162 no 239 & p. 491 no. 864 - on the basis of style she records these as? Richard Jorden.)

no. 55 Mrs. Grosvenor by R. Jorden; Capt. Grosvenor by the same & eight others - paper cut in oval black frames.

(Mrs. Grosvenor is illustrated in Mrs. K. p. 491 no. 863. Capt. Grosvenor and his 'back' has been photographed by me over the page.)

All four are now silhouettes to which I have referred above from the Wellesley Sale in the Andrew's Collection at Stoner House - which some of you may

R. JORDEN'S work cont'd.

have visited. Ian Cross, also a member of the Collector's Club helped in the cataloging of this Collection and knows it well. He and I recently visited Stoner to photograph some of the Collection for the record and for the Newsletter. We were able to have a good look at the Kingsley Pair and Capt. & Mrs Grosvenor. There is no doubt that all are cut-out work. Also of interest - there was another item in the Wellesley Sale - I quote:-

no. 108. The Mockler Family: Nine portraits by Jorden - paper-cut out & painted in one frame……………………….

(this description sounds somewhat ambiguous but I think we can take it that the portraits are actually cut-outs! I do know where these silhouettes now reside.)

Inspite of knowing that Richard Jorden did cut-out work - I think it would still be difficult to definately attribute cut-out examples without other 'evidence'. His cut-out style is not unlike that of Mrs. Beetham in her cut work - or for that matter Mrs. Harrington - and then what about Mrs. Collins? It is all very difficult! All we can say with certainity is that Mrs. McKechnie's entry on Richard Jorden in Section Two of her Book should be 'transferred' to Section One of the Book.

On the back of Capt. Grosvenor below is some competent and neat writing that I have seen before on the back of silhouettes. Can anyone throw any light on the subject? Perhaps it is Frances Wellesley's own writing.

Finally I should be interested to hear if any of you have a cut-out that is definately attributed to Richard Jorden - or one that you think may be by him. A photograph of the silhouette as well would be riches indeed!