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How I Identified a Hugh Wallis Arts & Crafts Copper Plate

3 days ago
2 min read

An early 20th-century copper and pewter plate purchased during a home visit in Haywards Heath.


Arts and Crafts copper plate with pewter floral inlay attributed to Hugh Wallis, purchased during a home visit in Haywards Heath.

Have Something Similar at Home?


You're welcome to send me a few photographs on WhatsApp for my free initial opinion. There's no charge, no obligation to sell and no pressure. It's an easy way to find out a little more about what you have.


A Recent Arts & Crafts Purchase in Haywards Heath


During a recent home visit in Haywards Heath, I purchased this Arts and Crafts copper plate, dating to around 1910.


The plate features a pewter floral inlay, a decorative rim and an aged copper surface. One detail worth noting is the small HW maker's mark stamped into the copper, which helped me identify the likely maker.



What Does the HW Maker's Mark Mean?


The plate carries a small square stamp containing the letters HW.


This mark is associated with Hugh Wallis (1871–1943), an English artist and metalworker based in Altrincham, near Manchester.


Wallis is known for his Arts and Crafts copperwork, including decorative plates, trays and dishes featuring pewter inlays and stylised floral designs.


The maker's mark, materials and decoration are consistent with his work, making Hugh Wallis a strong attribution for this plate.


Close-up of the HW maker's mark on an Arts and Crafts copper plate attributed to Hugh Wallis.


What Makes This an Arts & Crafts Piece?


The Arts and Crafts movement developed during the late 19th century, placing particular emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, thoughtful design and the beauty of handmade objects. Copper was a popular material for decorative household items, sometimes combined with pewter or other metals to create contrasting patterns.


This plate shows several features associated with the period, including its floral inlay and decorative rim.


Reverse of a Hugh Wallis Arts and Crafts copper plate showing the floral design, hammered rim and aged copper surface.

Pieces like this were often made to decorate the home, displayed on tables, shelves or sideboards. With its detailed inlay, this particular plate was most likely intended as a decorative piece.



What I Like About Arts & Crafts Pieces


I've always liked Arts and Crafts metalwork, particularly pieces made from copper and silver. This plate is a nice example of the period, with its pewter floral inlay, decorative rim and traditional workmanship.


I also find it interesting that a piece made around 1910 is still around today, in good condition for its age.


I sometimes wonder how many homes a piece like this has been in over the years and who might have owned it. That's one of the things I enjoy about buying antiques - coming across everyday objects that have their own history.



Do You Have Arts & Crafts Pieces or Other Antiques to Sell?


I'm always keen to purchase interesting Arts and Crafts pieces, including copper, silver, brass, pewter, china, and other antique collectables.


Whether you have a single interesting item or a larger collection, you're welcome to get in touch. I offer free, no-obligation buying assessments, with home visits by arrangement across East and West Sussex.


If you have something similar, simply send me a few photographs on WhatsApp and I'll be happy to take a look.



Get in Touch

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Phone: 07586 402927


About the Author

Wayne Clark, founder of Antiques of Sussex.

Wayne

Founder, Antiques of Sussex

30+ Years’ Experience


With 30+ years' experience buying and valuing gold, jewellery, silver, coins, watches and antiques across Sussex, I share practical guidance based on the items I personally assess and purchase from clients.

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