‘Many people in the trade argue that the heyday of copper has passed,’ says Marc. As with any antiques, though, the demand for copper depends very much on the item. And antiques wrought in this metal – whether decorative or practical – often exude character and charm. Its multitude of qualities and wide range of uses mean copper hasendured. Small copper watering can, £98, Appleby Antiques. Furthermore, its anti-corrosive properties made it suitable for roofing, and copper’s use in coins widened its allure further. The arrival of the printing press in the early 15th century increased demand, as copper sheets could be easily engraved as printing plates. However, copper never went entirely out of fashion and has remained a popular decorative material for everyone from the Ancient Egyptians to the Romans (and beyond). The Dolcoath Copper Mine, Camborne, Cornwall, circa 1831. An alloy of copper and tin created bronze, which became the go-to material for weapons and tools, and thus the Bronze Age began. When it was discovered that copper – fairly soft in its pure form – could be made stronger by mixing it with other metals, things changed. The Mauviel workshop in Normandy, France, where some of the most iconic copper pots have been forged since 1830. Its appeal grew and its global significance led to a period known as the ‘Copper Age’. ‘It has countless uses as it works easily, is malleable and anneals, and is a good conductor.’ All of which has served to give copper a timeless appeal – it’s been important for centuries, with diverse applications from the practical to the decorative.Ĭopper items dating back as far as 9000 BC have been discovered, though it is thought to have been the early Mesopotamians (around 6,000 years ago) who were the first to widely produce and use it. ‘Since its very discovery – thousands of years ago – copper has always been valuable,’ explains Marc Allum, miscellaneous expert on the Antiques Roadshow. It’s not just among today’s home-decorators that this metal is prized. Image: Andreas Von Einsiedel / National Trust Images. The elm-topped table and dresser are filled with the copper batterie de cuisine. The Kitchen at Attingham Park, Shropshire. Want to learn more about the history of art but not sure where to start? We've made a list of the best art history and appreciation courses and lectures available online. This versatility has helped to cement the desire for copper over recent years – a demand that shows no signs of waning. This ancient metal lends instant statement chic to contemporary spaces, but is equally effective at creating a warm, rustic effect in vintage schemes. The history of antique copper and how to start your collectionįrom bold pendant lights to luxurious kitchenware, copper can be easily worked into any room.
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