The use of horn was widespread before the advent of plastics, as the material was readily available as a by-product of the meat industry. When subjected to heat, horn can be bent to any shape, and was used widely in the past to make cups, lanterns, windowpanes, containers, combs, tool handles and spectacles. The art of hornworking has declined since the ubiquitous use of plastics.

Horn is deposited in laminated layers around a bony core separated by connective tissue. It grows throughout the life of the animal, whereas antler is shed each year. The usual practise was to remove the solid tip first, before separating the core from the sheath. One method was to soak the horn in barrels of water for a specific time depending on the season. When removed from the barrels the horn was heated before splitting with a sharp knife, prising open with tongs and putting between hot metal plates in a press and applying pressure. Placing the warmed horn into moulds before applying pressure enabled the production of horn boxes, beakers and other items. Often lathe work was involved in the making of items by horn turners.
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