Hugh Wallis


	Hugh Wallis (1871-1943), coppersmith working in Altrincham, Cheshire, mostly making trays with distinctive pewter inlays and patterned rims. Usually the inlays were floral motifs. Some of his work had a patinated finish. Much of what survives has had the inlay polished out.
	Hugh Wallis was educated at Ackworth School, Yorkshire, (Quaker) as were many of his family. Hugh Wallis studied art at the Herkomer Art School, Bushey, Herts., in the early 1890s and exhibited fourteen times at the RA. It is not known where he studied metal work. Best known for his metalwork (not just copper) had a studio/workshop in Altrincham. I knew his son Brian (1913-1981) who also worked copper with the inlaid pewter (a process HW invented). The trick is to tell the difference between HW's and BW's work - not always easy since Brian used his father's stamps to mark his work too! (Many thanks for this information to Hugh Gray-Wallis.)

	Bushey Museum in Hertfordshire has published a 94-page illustrated biography of Hugh Wallis: "Hugh Wallis, Artist and Art Metal Worker" by Margaret Thompson, obtainable from the Museum.	http://www.busheymuseum.org/

	This mark is on some relatively recently made trays of similar style oxidised copper with pewter decoration. They are usually in 'as new' condition with perfect inlays and well lacquered. These were made by Paul Gilling from c1978 - 1990 and the 'VH' stands for Victoria House. He had learnt the techniques from Brian Wallis, the son of Hugh, and for the years prior, 1976 - 1978, he had used his initials 'PG' in a square.

	Harold Holmes, hand crafted copperware, a former apprentice of Hugh Wallis and working in his style. He died in the 1970s.


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