A set of four arts and crafts wall lights attributed to the Birmingham Guild of Handicraft, each roundel of lightly-hammered copper,  with very attractive variable patina and supporting pendant a straw-opalescent vaseline-glass lampshade, English,c.1900-10.

(N.B. one shade slightly larger than remaining three).

Diam. 21cm/8.5ins; depth 22/8.5; ht. as displayed 38/15.

The Birmingham Guild of Handicraft 1888-1919

• Birmingham Guild of Handicraft was a pivotal Arts and Crafts organisation that, unlike many of its contemporaries, successfully balanced high-end craftsmanship with commercial viability.
• The Guild adopted the motto “By Hammer and Hand”, reflecting its dedication to traditional hand-working techniques.
• Around 1888 It began as a loose part of the Birmingham Kyrle Society, then became a more fully formed group within the Kyrle Society in 1890
• In 1895, the Guild set up as an independent workshop and limited company with the guidance of Edward R. Taylor.
• The Guild produced furniture and metal-ware, taking special advantage of the switch to electric lighting and the consequent need for new light fittings.
• Arthur Dixon was the chief designer and head of the metalwork workshop. Other members were Albert Edward Jones and Thomas Birkett.
• Due to commercial pressures, there was a merger with E & R Gittins in 1905
• Their lighting is notable by its very simplistic almost industrial design and regularly more decorative arts & crafts lighting is misrepresented as being made by the guild.