2-798-584 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Cannel Coal Vase, 1845. 'The fine variety of Coal known as "Cannel," is now employed, at a moderate cost, as a substitute for black marble, for the pedestals of statues, plinths, ink- stands, time-piece cases, &c. It is worked with comparative ease; being turned out of the block by means of the lathe, and the tools are similar to those employed in cutting wood or brass...The material was obtained from the Coal-works on the Rotherham-road, [near Sheffield]. The design is an elegant Vase, or rather patera, placed on a fluted column of the same material; the whole being eleven inches in height...'. The vase was made by John Dallaway from coal found on an estate of the Duke of Norfolk. It was bought by Prince Albert 'for an amount which [Dalloway] considers a handsome purchase'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.