An arts and crafts oxidised-copper four-branch electrolier in the style of Jesson, Birkett & Co. Ltd, or the earlier Faulkner Bronze Company each arm supporting pendant a satin glass lampshade possibly by James powell & Sons, with original chain for suspension and a replacement cast-metal ceiling hook. England, c1900.

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Ht.58.5cm/23ins; w.66/26.

Faulkner Bronze Company/ Jesson, Birkett & Co. Ltd

1901-1910

• The Faulkner Bronze Company was formed in 1901 by the Directors, Fred. G. Faulkner, Thomas Birkett and Arthur. G. Jesson based in Tenby Street, Birmingham. 

• The firm produced light fittings, copper wares and Loetz style glass wares enclosed in copper under the “Cobral Ware” mark, a process they patented in 1901.

• Thomas Birkett was a former member of the Birmingham Guild of handicraft and he was joined at Faulkner Bronze Company by other former Guildsmen, John Webster and A. E. Williams.

• Also at Faulkner Bronze was Spencer Humphrey, known for his repousse work, and designers, Bert Harvey and Anne Grisdale Stubbs. Anne was a star pupil and gold medallist at the Birmingham School of Art. She later married Thomas Birkett.

• The firm only lasted for a few years and was reconstituted as Jesson, Birkett & Co Ltd in 1904 when Fred Faulkner retired.

• The firm continued to make the most exquisite copper and mixed metal inkwells, cigarette boxes and light fittings, often using older Richard Llewellyn Rathbone designs.

• Anne G. Stubbs was clearly a key designer for the firm and her work was often illustrated in The Studio.

• The firm tended to use either enamels or Ruskin Pottery roundels for decoration.

• The firm wound up in 1910 and Thomas Birkett went on to work for Simplex Conduits Ltd in Birmingham.