Newlyn: Key Dates

  • 1888
    J.D. Mackenzie came to Newlyn as a painter.
  • 1890
    Newlyn Industrial Class founded under J.D Mackenzie. Classes in Metalwork enamelling and embroidery.
  • 1892
    John Pearson resigned from the Guild of Handicraft and came to Newlyn to instruct the Industrial Class in Metalwork.
  • 1895
    Newlyn Arts Gallery opened with the facade decorated by four copper panels beaten depicting Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Designed by J.D. Mackenzie and beaten by Phillip Hodder these pannels are still in place. In the same year The Yellow Book features a front cover design by J D Mackenzie showing Cornish Luggers and a lighthouse and the titlepage with a design of entwined fishes
  • 1896
    The Studio features article on Newlyn Art Industries by Norman Garstin, who describes the influence of .." A metalbeater. John Pearson who lives and makes charming objects somewhere in Whitechapel".
  • 1898
    Liberty and Co Yule -Tide Gifts Catalogue front cover features a galleon in Newlyn style and catlogue includes"Hand beaten Copperwork.. The Galleon Plaque" depicting a galleon surrounded by 7 Gurnards, price 45 shillings (Large Size) plus othe copper items highly typical of Newlyn ware. Described as "Quaint and Artistic Yule-Tide Gifts".
  • Newlyn Metalwork exhibited at the Home Arts and Industries Association Exhibition, Albert Hall, London. Newlyn School of Painting founded by Stanhope Forbes.
  • 1900 and 1902
    Newlyn Metalwork exhibited at the Home Arts and Industries Association Exhibition, Albert Hall, London. Newlyn School of Painting founded by Stanhope Forbes.
  • 1908
    Stanhope Forbes paints portait J D Mackenzie instructing a pupil in the Art of repousse copperwork' oil on canvas.
  • 1911
    The Seamans mission opens in Newlyn a key feature which still survives is a weathercock in the form of Copper Galleon constructed by Tom Batten and Francis Clemens.
  • 1913
    Copper Works moved to New Road.
  • 1914
    First World War begins and signals the end of the Golden Age on Newlyn Copper.
  • 1918
    Death of J D Mackenzie
  • 1920
    Copper Production re started by Tom Batten and John Payne Cotton. Obed Nichols working from home and Herbert Dyer making copper at Mousehole.
  • 1930
    Newlyn Art Metal Industry ' Gwavas Quay Registerd in Newlyn Kellys Directory T, Batten Secretary.
  • 1938
    Newlyn School of Painting closed.
  • 1939
    Newlyn Art Metal Industry ceased to be Registered, production ceased during the Second World War.
  • 1949
    Death of Tom Batten.
  • 1950-56
    Copper production started up again by John Payne Cotton with John Laity at Morrab Studio Penzance.