£250.00
A wonderfully individual and highly decorative original proposed design for a coat of arms, inscribed “Proposed Design of a Coat-of-Arms for The Right Honourable Lord Robert Baron of Bromley” and signed within the design “Designed by B. L. Filmer”, followed by a series of initials and qualifications.
A wonderfully individual and highly decorative original proposed design for a coat of arms, inscribed “Proposed Design of a Coat-of-Arms for The Right Honourable Lord Robert Baron of Bromley” and signed within the design “Designed by B. L. Filmer”, followed by a series of initials and qualifications.
Executed on paper and retained within its original black frame, the work takes the traditional language of British heraldry and gives it a wonderfully personal and distinctly playful character.
At its centre is a quartered shield incorporating a tennis racquet, sporting balls, a cocktail or wine glass and a thistle, surmounted by a coronet and helmet with boldly coloured mantling. A pair of spotted dogs, apparently Dalmatians, act as supporters to either side.
Below runs a blue and gold scroll carrying the motto “Fruges Consumere Nati”, while the lower section contains the proposed heraldic description of the arms, crest and coronet.
The combination of formal heraldic convention with references to sport, drinking and leisure gives the piece enormous charm. Rather than the solemnity usually associated with armorial decoration, this feels personal, humorous and perhaps deliberately tongue-in-cheek.
The strong red, blue, green, yellow and black colouring remains particularly effective against the warm paper ground, while the simple original black frame gives the work an almost graphic quality.
A fascinating piece of British social history and an unusual decorative artwork in its own right.
Heraldic designs traditionally bring together symbols intended to represent family history, achievements, allegiances and personal identity. Formal British coats of arms are governed by established heraldic conventions, but private and proposed armorial designs have also long provided an opportunity for much greater individuality.
This example is particularly engaging because its designer has adopted the established structure of a heraldic achievement — shield, supporters, coronet, helmet, crest, mantling and motto — while incorporating imagery drawn from sporting and social life.
The crossed tennis equipment, sporting balls and drinking glass appear to refer directly to the interests or character of the intended recipient. The two spotted dogs serving as supporters provide another particularly personal element.
The result sits somewhere between traditional heraldic artwork, bespoke commission and affectionate caricature.
The work itself describes the composition as a “Proposed Design”, and we have therefore deliberately retained that terminology. At present we have not established documentary evidence that the proposed arms were subsequently formally granted or registered.
Mid-20th century, circa 1940–1960
Dating is based upon the appearance, graphic style, typography, materials and presentation of the work rather than documentary evidence.
Leeds / England / United Kingdom
B. L. Filmer
Inscribed on the artwork as the designer. Further biographical information about the designer has not presently been established.
Private collection.
The work remains housed in what appears to be its original period frame. No documentary provenance relating to the original commission has accompanied the piece, and we have therefore avoided making an unsupported attribution as to the identity of the intended “Lord Robert”.
Original proposed heraldic artwork incorporating a quartered armorial shield, coronet, helmet and mantling; pair of spotted dog supporters; tennis, golf and drinking motifs; Latin motto; extensive handwritten heraldic description; and original period framing.
We bought this because it is quite unlike the conventional heraldic paintings we normally encounter.
There is something wonderfully eccentric about it. From a distance it has all the appearance and grandeur of a traditional coat of arms, but closer inspection reveals tennis racquets, sporting balls, a cocktail glass and two wonderful spotted dogs.
It feels very British — formal, slightly eccentric and full of humour.
We particularly like pieces of social history that raise questions and encourage conversation, and this certainly does. Whether commissioned seriously, affectionately or partly in jest, somebody clearly went to considerable trouble to produce a complete proposed heraldic achievement for its intended recipient.
It would look particularly good in a study, library, home bar, games room or as part of a collection of sporting, heraldic or Grand Tour-inspired pictures.
The original black frame is also an important part of its character and we have retained the piece exactly as we found it, with only sympathetic cleaning where appropriate.
In good vintage condition consistent with its age.
The paper displays the gentle tonal variation and age-related character expected of an original work of this period. The original frame also shows minor marks and wear consistent with age and use.
These have deliberately been retained as part of the history and character of the piece rather than over-restored.
Please refer to the detailed photographs as these form an important part of the condition report.
Height: 53 cm / 20.9 inches
Width: 36 cm / 14.2 inches
Depth: 1 cm / 0.4 inches
Weight: 1.6 kg / 3.5 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
