A copper mirror by the Newton School of Metal Workers, circa 1920.

A stunning repousse copper mirror by the lesser known Newton School. This particular mirror is made by Albert Prime who started out as a worker at the night school and eventually became a full time tutor. The mirror is signed with his distinctive “A.P.” monogram to the front and he has also signed the paper label on the reverse.The design is very typical of the early 1900’s and is reminiscent of designs by ex. Guild of Handicraft metalworker, John Williams. John Williams was indeed involved with the school but this lovely design of fruiting pomegranates and the motto “Look but Linger not” is the work of G.S. Tanner. I have to admit that I had never heard of G.S. Tanner but my research has shown he was a designer in the Arts and Crafts style in the late 1890’s. He had a lot of success in The Studio design competitions under the pseudonym “Sixpence”. 

Although this mirror is very much in the early Arts and Crafts style it most likely dates to the late 1920’s. The paper label on the back refers to the late H.W. Hurrell. Harold Hurrell set up the metalworking school in the 1890’s but passed away suddenly in 1926.