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Art Nouveau Metalwork

Metal objets in an Art Nouveau style tended to be specially commissioned by wealthy clients. They included boxes, mirrors, jugs, punch bowls and tea services. Materials included bronze, copper, and brass. Metalworkers contributed bases and mounts for clocks, lighting and ceramic pieces.

Numerous gold and silversmiths flourished through the Art Nouveau movement.They tended to be based in European capital cities, London and Paris and some in Berlin. Many were better known as jewellers, such as Rene Lalique who made a variety of small objets, scent bottlers, mounts for cups and vases amongst his pieces of jewellery

Too much shiny silver was considered to be unattractive so much Art Nouveau metalwork was decorated with enamel, mother of pearl and semi precious jewels.

In the UK Liberty & Co dominated the production of metalwork, their pieces were often given a “hammered” finish to give them a hand crafted appearance Their pieces included muffin dishes and christening sets to trophies and punch bowls. All were a commercial success.

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