"Copper Jugs"

c. 1890s

art metal works

Hand made

Height: 34cm

These copper jugs are the work of the art metal work industry which flourished in Fivemiletown from 1892 until the beginning of World War I. Set up by Mary Montgomery, Enniskillen-born wife of the local landowner, the industry provided much needed employment to young men in the Fivemiletown area. Because of the high quality of the craftsmanship of these jugs, it has been suggested the John Williams, an experienced artist in repoussé metalwork, was involved in the making of these jugs. Williams, an English artist, did design work for the Fivemiletown industry in its early years and in the Autumn of 1893, 1894 and 1896, he came to Fivemiletown to teach the craft. In terms of the art metal work industry's aims they are comparable with the Belleek Pottery founded in 1857, both designed to give local employment. This purchase was 50% grant aided from Northern Ireland Museums Council acquisition fund.

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