During these chilly Winter days, we are featuring a selection of trays now in-stock at LEO Design. We look-forward to the time (the sooner, the better) when we can use these trays to serve family, friends and other loved ones.
The company which would evolve into Joseph Sankey and Sons was established in 1854, making simple tin trays. In the late Nineteenth Century, Sankey was joined by his brothers, by which time the company had developed a broader line of products, many of them intended for an elegant upper middle class market. With the advent of the English Arts & Crafts (Art Nouveau) movement, Sankey produced a large number of sophisticated household service pieces: trays, tankards, kettles and planters. These were made in brass, copper or a combination of the two metals. During World Wars One and Two, Joseph Sankey turned its production to making items needed for the war effort.
The brass tray shown here, was made by Joseph Sankey and Sons in the two decades before the Great War. Repoussé fruited grape vines encircle the perimeter, stylized with the Art Nouveau "whiplash"—the lively graphic element popular in the period. Because of he grape motif, this tray may have been used (at times) to serve wine. The size of the tray would comfortably hold a decanter (or claret jug) and six to eight small glasses.
Please click on the photo above to learn more about this tray.
More selections from our expansive tray collection tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248