Zinc, a versatile and readily available metal, played a prominent role in the decorative arts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Its popularity grew alongside advances in metal processing and the Industrial Revolution, which brought about a wider availability of affordable decorative objects. Lighter than bronze or iron, resistant to corrosion, and easily cast, zinc became an ideal material for both practical and ornamental use.
In the 18th century, zinc was commonly employed for small items such as buttons, medallions, and toys. By the 19th century, with improvements in casting techniques, its applications expanded dramatically. Sculptures, clocks, architectural ornaments, and statues were produced in zinc, while its durability made it a favoured choice for roof cladding, weather vanes, and decorative mouldings.
Zinc also entered the world of printmaking through zincography, an economical alternative to lithography that enabled wider distribution of artistic images. In furniture design, zinc was celebrated for its metallic sheen and modern aesthetic. French designers used it in café and bistro tables, while in America it was popular for garden furniture and cabinetry, often paired with wood to create striking contrasts.
The widespread use of zinc in this era reflects the spirit of industrial progress. Its versatility, affordability, and resilience ensured that it became not only a practical material but also a defining feature of decorative arts during the 18th and 19th centuries.
