Bread plate 1845 - 1855

This bread plate, designed by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, a prominent figure in the Gothic Revival movement, features intricate patterns in shades of blue and white on a red background. The rim of the plate is inscribed with the phrase "Waste not, want not", a common proverb in 19th-century England that reflects the values of practicality and thriftiness. The plate's design, with its stylized floral motifs and inscription, exemplifies Pugin's emphasis on craftsmanship and the revival of medieval aesthetics. This piece, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a testament to Pugin's influence on design and social commentary.