Newton School copper and horn lantern
Description
A copper candle lantern with wooden handle and horn screens made by the Newton School of Metal Work, circa 1910.
I was delighted to find this lantern in such original condition. It appears in an image of the Newton School exhibition stand at the Home Arts and Industries Exhibition. The image was taken at the Royal Albert Hall and is believed to date to 1913.
Based on the style of the lantern I believe the design can be attributed firmly to George Tanner. The Newton design archive contains many similar designs for wall lights by Tanner all dating to between 1897 and 1907. This particular lantern is shaped a bit like a Japanese pagoda but a lot of careful thought has gone into its practical use. The wooden handle is shielded from the candle heat by a folded copper top over a pierced screen which allows the heat to escape. The door of the lantern can be locked closed by a pin which is on a chain attached to the lid. Transparent horn (the plastic of its day) has been used on the sides of the lantern so the light can be seen. The lantern has decorative cut out hearts and is of a riveted construction throughout.
I can’t quite believe this has survived intact!
Details
Dimensions: 7 1/4″ at widest point and 12″ tall
Condition: The horn screens have split in a number of places as they have dried out but they are intact. There are some darker spots to the patina and a slight crease on one side of the top plate
Price: Sold