I am interested in finding any good sources of information on the Palmer copper shop in san Francisco. I own a number of pieces I feel can be attributed to this shop but would like to find more information on known examples etc.

cheers

There were two fine books written about the coppersmiths of San Francisco. Both are out of print and you may be able to have your local library do a search. A book written about August Tiesselinck and another about Dirk Van Erp. I believe Palmer is mentioned in each book.

Living the Good Life is a more current harback book that may talk about Miss Palmer and her work.

If you post images of your lamps we might be able to help you and you could share with us your treasures.

I found a mention of Lillian in a genealogy site. They had found articles about her in the San Francisco Chronicle, "California Women in Public Life," 17 January 1917, page 51, and "Housewives Learning to Wield Saw and Hammer. School Offers Instruction in Home Repairs." San Francisco Chronicle, 5 May 1922. You may be able to find these at the public library if you live in the area.

Excerpt from the Chronicle:
"As president of The Palmer Copper Shop, Miss Palmer leads one of the most successful electric fixtures organizations in this vicinity. Organized in 1916 on the co-operative basis, The Palmer Copper Shop specializes in designing fixtures which not only attain the desired lighting effects in a given room, but also conform to the style and contour of the room and the usage to which it is to be put."

I have seen the web entry for the palmer copper shop thanks. In regards to the Tiesselinck book I have seen it and almost bought a copy recently but it was a bit expensive. I did have my Library track me down a copy and I am getting it on interlibrary loan. Attached is a photo of the best piece (sorry about the poor quality i will repost a better pick when I have time) a rather large lamp. It has no markings (hence not a van erp ?) also note the top of the lamp. I have never seen a top like that on anything but a palmer (it is orginal). Also a bit of history the piece was bought in San Francisco at the begining of the century by a great aunt.
cheers

The image is a bit dark and I can still tell it is a great piece. Can you post an image of the other lamp? I checked my Van Erp book and it does not mention Palmer. Tiesselinck worked for Palmer and married someone who worked with Palmer in the office.

Sorry I cannot be of further help. I don't yet own the book "Living the Good Life" or I would check for you.

I will post some better picks. Also a nice example of a similar piece attributed to palmer is on the rago arts site (in one of the archieved catalogs). It has the same top piece. more to come.....

thanks

Got a copy of "the arts and crafts movement in california" and they have what appears to be the most complete treatment of Palmer in print. There are no pictured examples. It appears the shops output was much smaller than that of van erps. Interestingly D'Arch Gaw actually worked with Palmer (1907) before her short time with van erp(1910-early 1911). Palmer worked from home at first ca. 1907 had some recognition then traveled for a time before actually starting a shop in 1910 whic lasted untill 1918. Also Harry Dixon who worked for van erp ended up working for palmer around 1911.
All very interesting I will post more pics later and would be curious if anyone out there has images of works attributed to Palmer.

cheers

Jeremiah,

The book you acquired is the same as "Living the Good Life"? Does it also show marks of metalsmiths and other craftsmen and examples of their work? I need to get a copy soon.

Fred

yes the title is "The arts and crafts movement in California : living the good life" wonderful book. Definitetly not the definitive guide in respects in maker marks etc.. For example there are no plates showing marks for any metal work. However it has a wealth of biographical info on a number of important people to the movement in california. Also some wonderful photos of works by lesser known craftsman. Also the bibliography is very very good even though clearly many of the references would be hard to get due to being old trade catalogs, newspaper articles etc. unless one has a large university library or other good resource. All and all a beautiful book nice photos and allot of information, but definetly not a definitive guide for collectors.

thanks and cheers

I have been kicking myself for years now since I passed up a book I saw at the Gamble House bookstore on California Arts & Crafts and the book was filled with great images and marks.

I love books and the information I can glean from them.

I just bought a Palmer lamp on Ebay--one with flowers painted on the shade and a hand-tooled copper base. Her stuff is interesting and different from Van Erp and the other Bay area makers. She's not as well known either, and since her stuff isn't signed, you can usually get it cheaper( as I did on Ebay!).

Welcome to the forum. I watched that auction and I am sure you did do well on the price. (way out of my price range) The tooling was unusual and very well done.It was unusual to see the straps chased onto the base and the flowers are very pleasing. The shade was nicely constructed. It appear as if the artwork is between two screens of fabric. Almost as if they were pressed dried flowers. Perhaps you could post images of your lamp when it arrives. Do you think it ever had a bottom to the base or was mounted to a wooden stand?

Congratulations on your acquisition.

Thanks. I got it for a lot cheaper than I thought I would. Unfortunately, I'll never see it in person; it's going to Michael Adams for some restoration and then to Craftsman Auctions for the late September auction. I happened to be reading about Palmer about three days prior to seeing the lamp on Ebay. I thought it might fly under the radar, but not that much. The last lamp with a hand painted shade like this at auction sold for a lot more than I paid(!). I'd love to keep it, but my wife would kill me. I did this as an investment to fund other things( painting my house, adding a porch perhaps ). It's so different than the other Palmer's I've seen; that's why I thought it was worth bidding more. I may also use some of the money to buy a shade for a hammered base I've had for a long time. As for the base of the Palmer, I think it was as is; the shape is very similar to other bases of hers. As for the flowers, they are painted directly onto brass screen. I'll see if I can post a photo.

I couldn't get the photo to post; it needs to be re-sized I guess. If you want to check it out, go to Ebay under completed listings and search for Arts & Crafts lamp; you should be able to find it. Maybe someone knows how to post photos quickly and can put one up for me.

Here you go!

Thanks! I'll figure out the photo posting eventually! If anyone else has photos, I'd love to see them!

Here's the lamp, all dressed up for the auction coming in a few weeks.

She looks great! We appreciate your sharing her with us before she gets shipped off. Great luck on the auction.

I followed your piece on the rago september auction. Congrats. on a good sale it is avery beutiful lamp.

Welcome to the forum Jeremiah. It is always great to have folks who share similar passions.

And yes it appears other appreciated the lamp as well.