Looking for something beautiful and practical—and with a little token of affection, to boot? This late English Arts & Crafts copper tray was made in the southwest of England (Cornwall). Hand-tooled hearts and whiplash graphics surround the hand-planished center of the tray and a raised "piecrust" gallery forms the outer edge.
Cornish office clerk, Charles Thomas Eustace, returned to work after a long illness to discover that his position had been given to another person. The 59 year old father of 13 children needed to do something—and quick! He and his brother, John, opened a small copper crafts workshop in Hayle, Cornwall, their hometown. Although he knew nothing of metalsmithing, he learned the craft quickly, becoming quite proficient. Eustace admired the Keswick School of Industrial Arts and drew inspiration from their Arts & Crafts designs, despite the fact that it was now the 1930’s and that movement had pretty much ended with World War One. Fortunately, Cornwall had a community of small copper crafters which probably helped Eustace get his name and product out to the wider public.
Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
More Valentine's Day gift ideas tomorrow.
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