Hammered Metal Frame
A hammered metal frame brings hand-worked texture and warmth to a room, most often seen in wall mirrors and gongs from the Arts and Crafts period.
Hammered Metal Frame
When you search for a hammered metal frame, you are looking at utilitarian objects rendered decorative through manual surface work, predominantly wall mirrors and gongs. The pieces available here draw heavily from the Arts and Crafts movement, alongside late Victorian, Edwardian, and mid-century Peruvian examples.
The form most frequently met on this page is the wall mirror, framed in beaten or repoussé copper or brass. Alongside these hang table gongs and fireplace fenders, all sharing a distinct metallic border worked by hand.
How they were made
The construction of these pieces relies on base metals such as copper, brass, and pewter, shaped around wood structures or mirror glass. Artisans utilised hand-beating and repoussé techniques to push the metal from the reverse, creating raised patterns and textured surfaces.
Makers integrated decorative elements like Ruskin cabochons and stylised tree motifs directly into the metallic borders. Felt backings often protected the wall or surface behind the heavy metal and glass assemblies.
The listings span from 1890 through the Edwardian era to 1950, utilising copper, brass, pewter, and mirror glass.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard production and superior work lies in the depth and individuality of the hand-working. Finer pieces display crisp, deliberate repoussé detail and thoughtful integration of stones or carved wooden components rather than uniform machine stamping.
Substantial weight in the copper or brass and the integrity of the original mirror glass or hanging fixtures separate the more ambitious workshop outputs from simpler domestic items.
Liberty & Company
The Hammered Metal Frame Glossary
- Repoussé
- Metalworking technique where the metal is hammered from the reverse side to form a raised design in relief. This creates tactile surface depth on mirror frames and gongs.
- Cabochon
- A gemstone shaped and polished brightly rather than faceted. These round, smooth stones frequently punctuate the corners of Arts and Crafts copper frames.
- Arts and Crafts
- A design movement valuing handcraft, traditional materials, and reform in response to industrial machinery. It dominates the styles found in these metal-framed pieces.
- Fender
- A low metal guard placed in front of a fireplace to contain sparks and ash. Examples here incorporate hammered metal borders matching the surrounding interior decor.
Hammered Metal Frame: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hang a heavy copper mirror?
These frames carry significant weight due to the combination of thick metal, wood backing, and glass. Ensure your fixings are secured directly into wall studs or use appropriate heavy-duty wall anchors.
Check that the original hanging wire or integrated brackets on the reverse remain sturdy before committing the piece to the wall.
Can I polish the brass and copper?
Polishing depends entirely on the desired appearance and the age of the patina. Many collectors prefer to leave the darker, oxidized surfaces untouched as evidence of age.
If you choose to clean the metal, use a gentle cream designed for brass or copper and avoid abrasive cloths that can flatten the hand-beaten texture.
What is the difference between a table gong and a wall mirror?
Table gongs feature a suspended metal disc designed to be struck with a mallet, mounted within a decorative frame of wood and hammered metal. Wall mirrors serve a reflective function with the metal frame enclosing glass.
Both share the same Arts and Crafts aesthetic and manual working techniques, but their domestic functions differ completely.
How do I identify an Arts and Crafts frame?
Look for visible hammer marks, organic motifs like stylised trees, and materials such as copper and brass paired with cabochons. These details mark the rejection of mass-production typical of the movement.
Construction methods on the reverse, including handmade joints and older fixings, help confirm the period.