A repousse copper dish firmly attributed to a design by Mary Williams, circa 1900.

The dish has a celtic interlaced design with hearts and is very finely worked. It has a hanging hook which has been soldered on to the back to allow it to be displayed.

This particular dish came with a number of superb pieces which I have researched thoroughly. The dish is believed to have been made by a Charles Harmer who was based in Islington, London. Charles Harmer ran a plate metalwork firm in Islington. The family that sold the pieces were related to Charles Harmer. They kindly contacted a foreman who had worked at the firm for over 50 years. He remembered that there was a lady called “Miss Williams” who rented a basement in one of the firms buildings. Miss Williams was an artist and she produced the designs that were then made by Charles Harmer and his son, also Charles Harmer, between 1890 and the early 1920s. This information, combined with the style of the designs, allows for a firm attribution to Mary Williams.

Much more of this story can be found in the following article in the News section… News 15