How was it made? Electrotype

Electrotyping is a complex process which uses electricity to make a metal copy of an object. The chemicals used have changed slightly since the 19th century, but the process itself has remained very similar.

In this film, a replica of an intricate Japanese dish from around 1920 is made:

We use third-party platforms (including Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube) to share some content on this website. These set third-party cookies, for which we need your consent. If you are happy with this, please change your cookie consent for Targeting cookies.

'Streamliner', meat slicer, designed by Egmont Arens and Theodore C. Brookhart in 1940, manufactured by Hobart manufacturing Co from 1944, USA. Museum no. M.222-2011. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Collections

Metalwork

Header image:

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London