The decorative art collection consists of metalwork from Keswick School of Industrial Arts.
This collection of metalwork from the Keswick School of Industrial Arts (KSIA), founded by Edith Rawnsley and Canon H.D. Rawnsley in 1884, includes some early pieces of repoussé and chased copper articles. Named artists include W.H. Mawson and Edith Maryon.
The KSIA was originally set up to address the lack of opportunities for the mining population of Keswick. The Rawnsleys wanted to increase the welfare of workers by providing arts and crafts training for free in the evenings to anyone who wanted it. They were inspired by Ruskin’s ideology: “There is no wealth but life”. In an increasingly industrial world, the KSIA offered nature and craft as an escape.
Our collection includes KSIA fixtures and fittings in the building itself, the bust of the Lake Poet Hugh Walpole by Epstein, a portrait of Hardwicke Rawnsley in bronze relief by Edith Maryon, various sporting trophies and shields, and the later stainless steel commemorative ware of the KSIA. We also have the Goldscope Cup, a fine piece of silversmithing using locally sourced silver.
The decorative art collection contains around 80 items. Book a private viewing of our behind the scenes collection here.
Examples of Decorative Art
Objects in 360 degrees
Pomegranate Plate
This brass plate, decorated with roses and pomegranates, was designed by Edith Rawnsley (1846-1916). Edith was the wife of Canon Hardwick Drummond Rawnsley and together they founded the Keswick School of Industrial Art in 1884 to preserve traditional skills in the face of growing industrialisation. Edith taught many of the school’s early classes as well as creating the designs for their metalware. The plate was made by William Henry Mawson.
Rawnsley Mould
This plaster mould depicting Canon Rawnsley was designed by Edith Maryon in 1901. Edith’s brother Herbert was the first director of the KSIA. The metal plaques produced with this mould were sold in the KSIA shop. Edith moved to Switzerland in 1914 and opened the Goetheanum with Rudolf Steiner, a centre for the spiritual movement anthroposophy. She taught sculpture there until her death in 1924.
Copper Vase
Early KSIA objects were not meant to be flawless, as customers would expect from factory-made products. Instead, they were recognisable as handmade goods. This copper vase is an example of this. A copper sheet has been curved to form the shape of the vase, leaving a visible seam. The base and lip of the vase are not symmetrical and the flower designs are not quite identical.
Six Spoons
These beautiful KSIA spoons are still in their original green cloth case. The finials of the spoons are decorated with the symbols of St Kentigern, a Christian missionary from the 7th century. These symbols were frequently included on KSIA objects as Canon Rawnsley was the vicar of St Kentigern’s Church, Crosthwaite (at the north end of Keswick.)
Copper Stand
This copper stand is known as a trivet. Hot metalware such as kettles or pans can be safely placed on top of it. The leaf-like designs almost resemble the traditional shape of a fleur-de-lis.
Leaf Mould
This large plaster mould was used to create leaf designs on KSIA metalwork.
Flower Plate
This brass plate is an excellent example of repoussé work, which the KSIA is famous for. The design has been hammered in from the back of the plate, creating a raised surface. The floral design reflects the influence of the Art Nouveau movement. The plate has been signed with the name A. Hogarth.
St Kentigern Plate
The KSIA began to use stainless steel in 1931 as it is resistant to rusting and corrosion. It very quickly became the main metal that they used. However, it is harder to shape into complex designs, so KSIA products became much simpler. This plate features a coat-of-arms with the symbols of St Kentigern, a planished (hammer marked) surface and crimped edges.
Silver Dish
The swirl design of this silver dish reflects the Celtic and Norse heritage of the Lake District, which was also a source of inspiration for the KSIA.
Flower Brooch
This stainless steel brooch is decorated with a simple daisy design. The design has been added from the front rather than from the back, as stainless steel is not suitable for repoussé work.