Reeks, Maria E. (1884-1920)
Reeks, Maria E.
London; wood carver, teacher of carving (fl.1884-c.1920)
Maria Ellen Reeks (b.1858-d.1929) was a daughter of Trenham Reeks, registrar to the Government School of Mines and Science (1851). One of her sisters was Margaret, sculptor and art teacher, and Maria was described as wood carver in the census 1881.
She was awarded a silver medal at the International Health Exhibition (Educational Section) in 1884 [The Furniture Gazette, 8 November 1884] and also participated in Arts & Crafts Exhibitions, London, 1889-1912:
1889 – all exhibited by the School of Art Wood-Carving - bracket with figure, designed and executed by Maria E. Reeks (cat. no. 566); walnut panel, design copied, executed by Maria E. Reeks (cat. no. 584); chimney-piece in carved pine, designed by J.H. Pollen, executed by M. Reeks, S. Giles, W. Williamson, H. Grimwood, J. Watson, F.A. Crollan, J.C. Holt (cat. no. 786)
1890 – exhibited by the School of Art Wood-Carving – baby’s chair, [carving] executed by M.E. Reeks, S.M. Mackenzie, chair made by G. Mills (cat. no. 193)
1893 – carved panel for three-fold screen, designed by Lewis F. Day, executed by Maria E. Reeks (cat. no. 186).
1896 – four Italian walnut panels, designed by Lewis F. Day, executed (carved) and exhibited by Maria E. Reeks (cat. no. 340)
1903 – wood-carving, designed by Lewis F. Day: walnut cupboard doors and walnut bellows both carved by Miss M.E. Reeks (cat. nos 356b, z); carving in limewood low relief, head of a boy, by Maria E. Reeks, from a portrait bust by Esther M. Moore (cat. no. 453)
1906 – walnut mirror frame by M.E. Reeks, price £4 4s (cat. no. 411); lettering in sycamore (cat. no. 526); medallions in lime wood, by M.E. Reeks (cat. no. 536)
1910 – head of a child, by M.E. Reeks, price £2 2s (cat. no. 428); casket carved in French walnut, by Maria E. Reeks, cabinet work by Y. Rowcliffe (cat. no. 482)
1912 – “St Peter”. After Ghiberti, Maria E. Reeks, price £1 1s.
The 1891 census records Maria living with her mother, sisters and brother at 20 Perham Road, West Kensington and the index of these catalogues list Reek’s address as 39 Tiernay Road, Streatham Hill (1906) and 39 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, London (1910 and 1912). Thurloe Place was the location of the School of Art Wood-Carving, and Reek was principal of the School in the early years of the 20th century. In 1906 Reeks worked with George Jack on the carving of panels and a chimneypiece for the new Common Room at Rounton Grange, Yorkshire. For this she received payment from Jack of £8.10.
Sources: Clarke, ‘George Jack, Master Woodcarver of the Arts & Crafts Movement’, The Decorative Arts Society 1850 to the Present 1850 to the Present (2004); Arts & Crafts Exhibition catalogues, 1888-1916.
Occupation
Ornamentation/Design
Style