Greek bowl, about 1900

‘Greek’ copper bowl with large loop handles made by the Keswick School of Industrial Art in about 1900.

The ‘Greek’ bowl, so named after the historical design which inspired it, is encircled with laurel leaves. Stylised natural forms were much used by Arts and Crafts designers. The bowl has been decorated using the repoussé method.

Keswick School of Industrial Art was the brainchild of Canon and Edith Rawnsley who established it in 1884. Rawnsley wanted to relieve seasonal unemployment, develop craft skills and revive interest in the area’s ancient traditions of woodcarving and copper mining.  Evening classes for up to 100 students took place at Crosthwaite Parish Room. Drawing, design, woodcarving, metalwork, spinning flax and linen weaving were taught.

The School became well known for its copper and silver metalwork with repoussé decoration – produced by skilful punching, hammering and pressing techniques. Designs were often inspired by historic examples in museums and by natural forms. The Scandinavian serpent design found on traditional Lakeland furniture was often used, as were local Norse and Viking motifs. The School made a wide range of household items but became more innovative when designers were appointed. 

The School exhibited nationally from 1891 and later became more commercial and concentrated on high quality pieces and special commissions. Stainless steel products were first produced in 1930. Lack of new designs, insistence on hand-production, and competition from cheaper machine-made items sadly forced the School to close in 1984, its centenary year.