Art Nouveau Inkwell by William Tonks & Sons (1917)

This is a nice example of an Art Nouveau inkwell manufactured by the renowned British company, William Tonks & Sons.

Design and Style

This inkwell represents a commercial, high-quality execution of the Art Nouveau style, specifically in the metalware produced in Birmingham, England, during the period leading into World War I.

• Period: The design was registered in 1917 (Rd No. 661786), demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Art Nouveau aesthetic even as other styles (like Art Deco) began to emerge.
• Material: The piece is made of cast bronze and retains a handsome gold gilt finish.
• Aesthetic: The design is dominated by swirling, curvilinear motifs (often called whiplash curves in Art Nouveau design). These fluid, asymmetrical lines suggest natural forms like tendrils or flowing water, moving away from the rigid geometry of earlier Victorian design.
• Functionality: The inkwell features a single hinged lid and still retains its clear glass insert/liner.

The Manufacturer: William Tonks & Sons (W.T.O.S.)

The mark “W.T.O.S.” (or W.T.&S.) identifies the manufacturer as William Tonks & Sons, one of Britain’s most prominent brass and metal founders of the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

• Origin: The firm was established in Birmingham, England, in 1794, becoming a major player in the city known as the “Workshop of the World.”
• Specialty: While they were famous for architectural brassware (door hardware, window fittings, railings) and lighting fixtures, they also produced a large range of high-quality domestic metalware, including desk accessories, inkstands, and decorative arts.
• Quality: Tonks & Sons was known for the exceptional quality of their casting and finishing. The use of a Registered Design Number (Rd No.) indicates the company formally protected its original designs from competitors.

Date and Provenance

• Date of Design Registration: 1917 (Rd No. 661786).
• Significance: This specific design was protected during the height of the Great War, highlighting the continued demand for decorative, high-quality office goods despite the national focus on war production. The style is late Art Nouveau, reflecting a gradual shift towards smoother, less ornate forms common in the inter-war period.