Avon Coppersmith Inkwell

This copper inkwell is marked “The Avon Copper Smith.”

Here’s a detailed description:

• Material: The primary material is copper, which exhibits a rich, warm, and somewhat oxidized patina, characteristic of aged copper.
• Form/Shape: The inkwell has a square footprint with a slightly organic or “squashed” appearance, particularly evident in the lid. It was hand-hammered or hand-formed.
• Lid: The lid is made of copper and is slightly domed or convex, with undulating edges that give it a “wavy” or “fluted” look. The edges are also hand-hammered, with visible indentations or “peening,” adding to its handcrafted aesthetic.
• Glass Inkwell: The copper frame holds a clear, thick glass inkwell. The copper frame was specifically designed to hold the glass inkwell.
• Copper Frame/Base: The glass inkwell is encased by a copper frame or base. This frame was hand-formed, with smooth, curved sides that wrap around the glass. The base is simple and square, consistent with the overall unadorned, functional yet artistic approach of the Arts and Crafts movement.
• Marking: The copper frame is marked “The Avon Copper Smith” on the bottom.

“The Avon Copper Smith” was a workshop founded by Arthur H. Cole, a significant figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, particularly known for his copperware.

Here’s more about the history of “The Avon Copper Smith”:

• Connection to Roycroft: Arthur Cole’s history is closely tied to the famous Roycroft Shops in East Aurora, New York. Roycroft was a highly influential community of artisans, printers, and craftsmen founded by Elbert Hubbard, a central figure in the Arts and Crafts movement in America. Cole worked in the Roycroft Copper Shop, which was known for its distinctive hand-hammered copper pieces, often featuring beautiful patinas.
• Establishment of Avon Coppersmith: Arthur Cole opened “The Avon Coppersmith” (sometimes referred to as Avon Coppersmith) around 1930-1931 in Avon, New York. This was shortly after the Roycroft Shops experienced financial difficulties and ultimately closed in 1938. Cole essentially carried on the tradition of hand-hammered copperware that he had mastered at Roycroft.
• Artisan-Crafted Work: Like the Roycroft pieces, items from The Avon Copper Smith were entirely hand-hammered, reflecting the core tenets of the Arts and Crafts movement – emphasizing skilled craftsmanship, natural materials, and unique, high-quality production over mass manufacturing. Each piece was typically one-of-a-kind due to the hand-crafting process.
• Product Range: Beyond inkwells, Avon Coppersmith produced a variety of copper items, including trays, bowls, vases, letter openers, and other decorative and functional objects for the home.
• Later Years: Arthur Cole continued his copper crafting and metalworking at his Avon property for about 40 years. He and his wife also operated a gift shop, selling his wares to buyers across the country. The property was sold in 1970, and sadly, the original building was destroyed by fire in 1998.