Arts & Crafts Copper Wall Sconce

An impressive & unique wall sconce handcrafted from copper in Britain, circa 1910.

For us, this piece fantastically captures the zeitgeist of early twentieth century Britain. The design is both unmistakably Arts & Crafts, and an exemplar of the movement. Indeed, as per the label verso, this object was exhibited in an Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society exhibition.

Contrary to popular belief, the Arts and Crafts movement in the United Kingdom was not arbitrarily against machines. Rather, the followers of Ruskin & Morris believed that machines needed to be used appropriately.  Therefore, art and design can admire and take influence from industry and Modernity, as we see here. Just art & design needs to be created by people, and people in a good place*, in order to be of any merit.

The shape of the main body of this sconce is a circle, and the form is concave. The entirety of the disk shaped backplate is hammered copper. Under candlelight, this creates a stunning light effect; a mesmerising interplay of shadows and radiance.

The candle holder & drip tray, and the arm which extend these from the backplate are undecorated. However, the arm is a perfectly proportion scroll the evokes ‘The Whiplash’ of C. F. A. Voysey and Charles Robert Ashbee.

In daylight the brass is also attractive with its even and rich patina.

*William Morris strongly advocated meaningful work, production that allowed makers to remain connected to both their product and other people. Explore the Art & Crafts Movement further via the Victoria & Albert Museum.