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he Art Crafts Shop formed around 1902 in Buffalo NY by Bernard Carpenter & Otto Heintz, this company only produced enamelled items for a few years before moving on to Silver overlay & changing the name to the Heintz Art Metal Shop. Obviously influenced by the European design journals of the time showcasing the marvels of Art Nouveau or Jugendstil, their work is one of the few true American Art Metal examples from the period (with a hint of gothic), alongside Tiffany.
DESIGN / FORM:
Early work primarily consists of hand made (beaten copper trays) & hand cut copper wares. Edges are tyically cut in a matching pattern to the enamel work & many forms contain whimsical handles & hinges, curled & rolled feet & legs, riveted adornments, etc. all in keeping with the functionality of the piece in true Arts & Crafts fashion. Almost no two pieces are exactly alike as they seem to be manipulated at the hand of the individual artist creating the piece. That said, there are consistent patterns & forms, many with model numbers on the bottoms. The design patterns evoke the high style of Art Nouveau while remaining very restrained & conventionalized at the same time. The majority of the work is detailed with stylized floral motifs, a few pieces have been found with bird patterns & peacock feathers.
FINISH / ENAMEL:
You will find Art Crafts Shop items with one of 2 enamelling techniques used: One is simply laid right onto the copper (damages easily due to it being raised from the surface) & the other is where the copper item has actually been hand worked or cast, to where the enamel sits slightly "down" in the metal (typically better forms, rarer & more desirable as the enamel is usually more intact). The majority of items were finish in a traditional patina, most commonly in a very rich, dark brown to highlight the enamel work. During the transitional period to Heintz, the firm made a few pieces with silver overlay & enamel filled into the open areas.
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