Roycroft Hand-Hammered Inkwell

Pictured are two examples of the same hand-hammered copper inkwell produced by the Roycroft Shops. Each has a different finish – one “Aurora Brown”, the other “Old Brass”. The inkwell has a distinctive, somewhat squat, bell-shaped form with a slightly wider base tapering towards the top. It features the characteristic hand-hammered surface, which gives the copper a textured, slightly uneven appearance with visible indentations from the craftsman’s hammer.

The inkwell has a fitted, domed lid, also hand-hammered, with a simple, elongated, and slightly rounded finial at the center. A decorative element encircles the body of the inkwell. The artisan applied an additional layer of undulating copper to a standard Roycroft inkwell, thus creating a new design. The Roycroft mark (the middle mark) is found stamped on the bottom of the inkwell.

Brief History of Roycroft:

The Roycroft community was a significant and influential part of the American Arts and Crafts movement. It was founded in 1895 by Elbert Hubbard in East Aurora, New York.

• Inspired by William Morris: Hubbard was inspired by the ideals of the British Arts and Crafts movement, particularly the work of William Morris. This movement emphasized craftsmanship, simple design, and a rejection of mass-produced, industrialized goods.
• The Roycroft Inn: What began as a printing shop, the Roycroft Press, quickly grew into a self-sufficient community centered around the Roycroft Inn. This inn provided lodging and dining for visitors and became a hub for artists, craftspeople, and thinkers.
• Diverse Workshops: The Roycroft campus housed various workshops producing a wide range of handcrafted items, including:
  • Furniture: Solid oak pieces with simple, sturdy designs.
  • Metalwork: Particularly hammered copper and brass items like lamps, bowls, and, of course, inkwells.
  • Leather Goods: Hand-tooled leather items such as bags, belts, and book covers.
  • Books and Printing: The Roycroft Press produced beautifully printed books and periodicals, including Hubbard’s own writings like “The Philistine” and “The Fra.”
  • Pottery and Textiles: Although less prominent than other crafts, they also produced pottery and woven goods.
• “The Roycrofters”: The artisans and workers at Roycroft were known as “The Roycrofters.” Hubbard fostered a sense of community and emphasized the dignity of labor.
• Philosophical Underpinnings: The Roycroft philosophy promoted a blend of work, art, and a simple, purposeful life. It attracted individuals seeking an alternative to the industrial age.
• Decline: Following Elbert Hubbard’s death in the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, the Roycroft community gradually declined. However, the legacy of their craftsmanship and their contribution to the Arts and Crafts movement remain significant.