A beautiful Newlyn Arts & Crafts Copper Lidded Box and Cover or Tea Caddy Embossed fish, basking shark and shells to lid. Stamped to the base. Circa 1900 Probably made as a Tea Caddy this charming box could be used as an ice bucket or anything that takes your fancy! Dimensions: 16cm W x 13cm H

In the late 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. John Drew Mackenzie, an artist who settled at Newlyn was a key figure in setting up the Newlyn Industrial Class. After some early experiments, the class specialised 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.