Newlyn Copper Inkstand

Newlyn Arts and Crafts copper inkstand with a fish design from the early period by Newlyn school. Lightly hammered base with flared rim and single line decoration. The inkwell holder is riveted to base and is decorated with swimming fish, The hinged lid is attached to an attractive support which is riveted to main body. the top of lid has a twisted strip riveted to lid. There is a ceramic ink container that sits in the copper holder. “Newlyn” is stamped to bottom of inkwell base inside the inkwell holder.

Late in the 19th century the fishing industry in Cornwall was becoming unreliable as a source of income: bad weather and seasonal fluctuations brought enforced periods of inactivity. It was decided that an alternative means of employment could be gained by training the unemployed fishermen to produce items in copper. After some early experiments, the Newlyn school specialized in repoussé copper work and produced a wide range of domestic and decorative items. The school remained active for about thirty years after its establishment in 1890.