Coffee Pot and Stand 1786

This coffee pot and stand was made of silver, probably in London, by Hester Bateman. It exemplifies her refined neoclassical style. Silver objects like this were fashioned by hammering, raising, and shaping sheets of precious metal, then adding cast elements like the feet and handle sockets. Notice the dark wooden handle, a practical element that also adds a tactile contrast to the cool silver. The silversmith’s skills are evident in the bright, reflective surface, achieved through hours of polishing. But it's more than just a beautiful object. This coffee pot speaks to the rise of consumer culture. In the 18th century, new commodities like coffee and tea fueled social rituals and class distinctions. Silverware became a status symbol, reflecting wealth and taste. The labor-intensive production of such items also highlights the economic structures of the time, connecting artistry with industry. Bateman was an astute businesswoman, one of the few women to succeed in the silversmithing trade.