Enamel Antiquity

Enamelling is one of the oldest of the decorative crafts. Artifacts have been found in Britain dating back to the 6th and 3rd centuries BC.

During the mid 18th century the production of small hand painted enamel boxes developed as an industry. At the same time, Stephen Janssen established a small factory in Battersea. Janssen introduced talented French designers to the newly invented English decal technique. Although Battersea production lasted less than three years (1753-6), the quality and variety of the items had a lasting impression on the industry.

Peak of Enamelling

By 1780, the industry had reached its peak and new techniques in enamel colouring were producing exquisite and timeless pieces. These delightful little boxes touched the hearts of 18th century popular culture. In fashionable Georgian society, enamel boxes were given as love tokens or souvenirs, or designed to accommodate everyday items, from patches to bodkins (needles), to trinkets, pills or snuff.

Decline of Enamel Box Making.

Historical records indicate the decline of this highly-skilled industry can be partially attributed to export restrictions following import bans on the Continent, and the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. Finally the Industrial Revolution made it virtually impossible for the precise craft of enamelling to compete with larger mass production companies. Attracted by the promise of prosperity, the workers gradually drifted away and the last enamelling workshop closed around 1839.

Today, 18th Century English enamel boxes are widely collected and many of them have become valuable antiques.

Enamel Box Revival

Crummles, founded in the early 70's was in the forefront of the revival of English enamelling. Using the skills and techniques of the 18th century artisans Crummles updated the materials used, replacing arsenic and mercury with kinder substances, whilst remaining true to the spirit of byegone days to recreate the beautiful and intricately designed boxes do reminiscent of earlier days. Crummles has an international reputation for fine hand crafted enamel boxes built by dedicated craftsmen and women here in England for 3 decades.

Enamel Boxes Today

Crummles has a wide range of beautiful enamel gifts featuring delicate, intricate designs portraying a wide range of subjects including flora, fauna, buildings, sayings, prayers and geometrics. These exquisite gifts are not just keepsakes to be admired but serve many useful purposes. Invaluable as pill boxes Crummles collectors also use them to keep safe snuff, pins, buttons, rings, necklaces, precious stones and many other easily lost items. Special commissions are the perfect way for your organization to celebrate a special event, record a particular milestone or underpin a very special promotion. Crummles English Enamels make a lasting gift for your staff and special clients to remind them of your Company or Retail outlet for many years to come.

Crafting an Enamel Box

Each Crummles enamel box starts life as a copper sheet. The copper is pressed or spun into various shapes to form the different base and lid shapes. The surface of the copper is then pickled in acid to clean and roughen it prior to applying enamel.

Each copper base and lid is then sprayed or dipped with several layers of enamel. Between each application of enamel the coating is fired at 800 degrees centigrade to build up the lustrous, highly reflective, spotless surface which is the hallmark of fine English enamel.

Highly skilled craftsmen then apply the ceramic lithographs to the surface of the enamel and these are then fired again. The box passes to Crummles artists who use their skill and experience to transform the box into a true work of art using specially mixed colours, which include gold on occasion, to add depth and richness. A final firing ensures the design is preserved for posterity.

The decorated base and lid are then mounted into a gilded or silver plated brass bezel and given a final inspection to ensure Crummles' envied reputation for the highest quality is enhanced. Finally each box is then placed in a royal blue and gold fine quality presentation case with a Crummles insert to safeguard its exceptional quality.

Enamel Boxes for Tomorrow.

Crummles traditions are firmly in our Georgian past 250 years ago. Crummles craftsmen and women serve long apprenticeships to maintain Crummles quality reputation. Crummles makes all its cherished products in the heart of England from English sourced materials. We do this to ensure that everything Crummles produces will be treasured for more than one lifetime. A steady demand underpins Crummles attractive prices. Up to date interpretations of Georgian design themes means there is a box for every taste.

Enjoy this online catalogue of Crummles beautiful gifts. Come and visit us in Staffordshire.

Personal Enamels.

Crummles will be very pleased to inscribe the inside of the lid of your chosen box with up to 30 characters of your choice. Contact sales@crummles..com or in the U.S.A. cwt@ianlmt..com for full details.