NES

Instruction was given by Reginald Thomas DICK in enamelling in the same premises as used by the coppersmiths. Mrs Lionel Birch (Constance Mary BIRCH) said in 1907 "...in a quiet little quadrangle round a flower set court, in studios under the windows of which the surf dashes up and breaks - one finds the flashing beauty of sapphire and topaz and amethyst in the enamels of Mr Dick; and the ring of hammer on beaten metal as copper and silver and brass are fashioned into forms of quaint and beautiful designs under the direction of Mr John Drew MacKENZIE. Newlyn enamels were available on the work of Newlyn Coppersmiths but it is better known as jewellery. The jewellery is quite often of Art Nouveau design but the most common motifs are shells, fish and flowers. The work of the class was sold alongside Newlyn Copper. It is not known when production ceased but as late as 1927 it was still being advertised as available. The silver mounts are sometimes of elaborate 'Art Nouveau' design. Some pendants have fine handmade chains, set with moonstones. Most, but not all pieces are stamped 'NEWLYN' or 'NEWLYN ENAMEL' and larger pieces, such as buckles may be hallmarked. By that time, however, its 'Art Nouveau' style was out of date and many pieces were sold off cheaply at a sale at 'Pauls' in Penzance! Needless to say it is now eagerly sought by collectors.

Name: 

Newlyn Enamel Studio

Sources: 

www.penleehouse.org.uk
Berriman, H., Arts and Crafts in Newlyn 1890 ~ 1930, Newlyn Orion, Newlyn Orion Art Gallery May 1986
Holmes An Artistic Tradition