Chats on Old Copper and BrassBurgess, Fred. W. (Frederick William)
History
Chats on Old Copper and Brass
Burgess, Fred. W. (Frederick William)
Brasses; Brasswork; Copper; Copperwork; Metal-work -- Collectors and collecting
Brass ornaments such as those described are not altogether confined to
chimney ornaments, for on a larger scale they were frequently used on
the old hob-grates, the polished brass or copper contrasting with the
shining blacklead put on with plenty of elbow grease. They were used,
too, as door porters and also as sideboard ornaments. The ornaments of
the early nineteenth century in metal were, however, almost entirely
associated with utilitarian purposes, the artist decorating the
commoner objects, giving special attention to the repoussé work and
engraving on those portions which would be in view when the dustpan,
warming-pan, hearth brush, or other object was hung up.
Classified Arrangement.
[Illustration: FIGS. 43 AND 44.--BRASS CHIMNEY ORNAMENTS (ONE EACH OF
PAIRS).]
[Illustration: FIG. 45.--BRASS HORSE, A CHIMNEY OR HOB-GRATE ORNAMENT.]
In addition to those articles mentioned in the foregoing paragraphs
there are many domestic utensils highly decorative, such as
candlesticks and lighting apparatus, referred to in other chapters in
this volume. These all come under the special notice of the collector
of copper and brasswork who turns his attention to domestic antiques.
Such collectable objects as already suggested should be arranged in
a room furnished in similar style to that prevailing at a time when
these metal curios were in daily use. If such a room is not available
an alternative method is to arrange the domestic curios so that by
comparison the progress made by makers as each succeeding generation
came and went can be seen and appreciated. Incidentally that method
is very interesting in that it reveals the periods at which art was
uppermost, and indicates those times when the utility of domestic
copper and brass was in the ascendant rather than their ornate
appearance. Popular taste was followed by the maker at all times, and
the more progressive manufacturers were ever on the look-out for some
slight improvement either in design or decoration--seldom, however,
making any radical change--so that the progress in metal-work was one
of development slowly unfolded.
IX
CANDLESTICKS
AND LAMPS
CHAPTER IX
CANDLESTICKS AND LAMPS
Fire-making apparatus--Candles and candlesticks--Oil lamps and
lanterns.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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