Early 20th Century Antique English Arts & Crafts Cake Display Table, Townshends of Birmingham Style, Iron & Copper

Description

Arts & Crafts wrought iron cake stand/display table in the style of Townshends of Birmingham, with copper trays, 1900`s English. … more Arts & Crafts wrought iron cake stand/display table in the style of Townshends of Birmingham, with copper trays, 1900`s English.

This item has been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina; it is ready to use.

This unique Arts & Crafts piece has many of the design features of Townshends & Co Ltd of Birmingham, the attributed designer & manufacturer: the quality handcrafted wrought iron frame and the distinctive patterns on copper. This piece exemplifies the ideals & techniques of the Arts & Crafts Movement. The metal frame & dishes have a hand hammered finish, embossed & engraved details, all within an organic form.

This piece has a substantial & sculptural presence. It would complement a range of interiors such as Art Deco, Antique, Hollywood Regency, Traditional, Country, Contemporary or Industrial. It could work as a side drinks table, plant stand, or placed on a piece of furniture.

Structurally this stand consists of a wrought iron tripod frame painted black. There are three tier shelves with removable round dishes in solid copper. The ironwork is of great quality & craftsmanship.

The tripod frame is made up of three `ribbon-like` metal legs. These start at the top as unfolding curls to become three downward prolongations that are the legs. Travelling downwards the legs twist three times. This keeps the decorative affect `soft` and adds a sense of movement. At the bottom the feet are finished with an outward portion rolled, and oversized ball.

At the top there is a circular handle which is finished at the bottom with a finial.

Each shelf is attached via a blackened brass cylinder & decorative round nut.

Looking at the copper dishes they are handmade individually and have a good weight. Each has been hammered, embossed & textured. The edges of the trays have an undulated border that is raised, creating a flat round cavity in the center of the dish. The trays sit firm within the metal frame & level, and will support items safely.

This antique display stand is in very good condition for its age. The antique patina has been preserved. The complete structure has a good weight and is very stable. The frame has minor marks & rubbing to the metal paint. The black paint appears to have been touched-up in tiny places over the years. The copper trays are in very good condition with no cracks or loses, only minor marks & rubbing in line with age & wear.

Additional dimensions:

Each copper dish alone is: Diameter: 21.5 cm.

The space between tiers is: 14.5 cm.

Packing is offered free of charge. We take special professional care with packing. For safe transport the trays will be removed from the frame and packed separately. Both frame and trays will be wrapped in bubble wrap, foam and an outer layer of card. They would then easily fit into a box with loose cushioning for secure shipping with a courier. We ship with reliable couriers (signed for, tracked & insured).

Please note that the shipping cost advertised here also includes all US destination import duties & local taxes as required by Chairish, so we will ship from the United Kingdom to USA this item DTP (Duties & Taxes Paid).

TOWNSHENDS LTD ART METAL Co. ENGLAND HISTORY

Townshend Art Metal Co was based in Earnest St, Holloway Head, Birmingham. It was a quality brass & copper foundry which made metalwork for up-market retailers. After WWI the company shifted to the production of industrial heaters.

One of the indicators of Townshends` designs are the distinctive patterns on copper sheet. This metal was hard rolled and pre-patterned while flat before fabrication by stamping & pressing. The most common products found are trays of various shapes with distinctive heavily deckled edges. The edges of the trays were decorative & functional, attractively raised to keep the trays rigid. less