Tobacco pot
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca.1853
This electroformed copper tobacco pot was designed by Godfrey Sykes around 1853, possibly manufactured by Thomas Bradbury and Sons in Sheffield. Measuring 9 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter, the vessel is rendered in a Renaissance Revival style.
The cylindrical drum is encircled by sculpted cupids holding wreaths, set upon an ornate pedestal base. The lid features decorative relief work and was originally surmounted by a figure of an Indian, which is recorded as missing. The electrotyped copper body was initially intended to receive a finish of electroplated silver.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Godfrey Sykes, born in Malton, North Yorkshire, studied and later taught at the Sheffield School of Art. He was strongly influenced by artist Alfred Stevens, chief designer for ironfounders Hoole & Co. of Sheffield, working under Stevens without pay. This tobacco jar dates from that period and was displayed at the 1853 Dublin exhibition. Sykes later moved to London in 1859, contributing extensively to the decorative schemes of the South Kensington Museum.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Copper, electrotyped
- Dimensions
- Height: 9 in; Diameter: 4 in
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Sykes, Godfrey; Thomas Bradbury and Sons
- Place recorded
- Sheffield
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Tobacco pot
- Museum object number
- 4031&B-1858
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.