Arts & Crafts Townshends style cake stand, iron and copper, 1900s ca, English

This item has been gently cleaned while respecting the aged patina; it is ready to use. This unique Arts & Crafts piece boasts many of the design features of Townshends & Co Ltd of Birmingham, the attributed designer and manufacturer: the quality hand-crafted wrought iron frame and the distinctive patterns on copper. This piece illustrates the ideals and techniques of the arts & crafts movement. The metal frame and boards have a hand-hammered finish, embossed and engraved details, all in an organic form. This piece has a substantial and sculptural presence. It would complement a range of interiors such as art deco, antique, Hollywood regency, traditional, country, contemporary or industrial. It could function as a side table, plant stand or placed on a piece of furniture. Structurally, this stand consists of a black painted wrought iron tripod frame. There are three tiered shelves with removable round solid copper dishes. The ironwork is of high quality and handcrafted. The tripod frame consists of three ribbon-shaped metal legs. These start at the top as folding clasps to become three extensions downwards which are the legs. On the way down, the legs twist three times. This maintains the “soft” decorative effect and adds a sense of movement. At the bottom, the feet are finished with a rolled exterior and an oversized ball. At the top there is a circular handle which is finished at the bottom with a finial. Each shelf is secured via a blackened brass cylinder and decorative round nut. This antique display 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 and rubs to the metallic paint. The black paint appears to have been touched up in tiny places over the years. The copper platters are in very good condition with no cracks or losses, only minor marks and rubbing consistent with age and wear.

Ref. : WF6CHR4A