Thomas Kershaw

Panel Samples

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Thomas Kershaw’s grained panel is undated but is thought to have been produced by for either the London Exhibition of 1851 or the Paris Exhibition of 1855.
This fine sample of his graining work displays an incredible depth with the painted carved woodwork being a fine example of Trompe Loeil (Trick of the Eye) and measures 380mm by 1380mm.
His imitation marble panels are all dated and signed by Kershaw all measure 380mm by 900mm.
The lightest of the works is Chinese (1856)
The panel showing the broad light coloured veining is Vere Compo, French (1856)
The remaining panel is Rouge Royal.

About Thomas Kershaw
Kershaw born in Standish, Lancashire England in April in 1819. At the age of twelve he was apprenticed to Mr. John Platt of Bolton who was paid the sum of Twenty Three Pounds by Kershaw’s father in order that his son could be instructed in the craft of house painting. He worked ten hours a day and six days a week. It was not unusual for the lad to work three or fours extra for no additional remuneration. He completed his apprenticeship at the age of twenty one and was greatly appreciated as an extremely competent signwriter, grainer and marbler.
At this time he had to make a decision on his future direction. He considered the study of fine arts but finally chose to dedicate his time to what was considered the humbler craft of graining and marbling. He gained international renown as the result of the quality of the panels that he entered for the London and Paris Exhibitions of 1851 and 1855 respectively. His work was so good that it was often considered to be indiscernible from the original. He undertook work in many large, houses, mansions and stately homes throughout England and Wales and once declined an offer from the Russian Ambassador to imitate marbles on the interior of the Imperial Palace in St Petersburg. In 1858 he produced one of his important works in the Emperor’s Room in Buckingham Palace where all the pillars were done in imitation marble.
In 1860 the Paint Stainers Company marked their appreciation of Thomas Kershaw’s work by giving him the Freedom of the City London.