One of a Set of Five Table Spoons 1698 - 1699

Curator: This is One of a Set of Five Table Spoons, created by Benjamin Watts. Editor: The sheer gleam of the silver is arresting. It feels austere, almost unsettlingly pristine. Curator: Silverware like this signified wealth and status in the early 18th century. Think of the spoon as a symbol of provision, of access to life's necessities—and luxuries. Editor: Luxury, definitely. And the weight! It’s functional, yes, but the labor invested in crafting something so substantial speaks volumes about the social context of its creation. Curator: Indeed. Watts, who lived from 1698 to 1727, fashioned more than a tool; he shaped a cultural artifact reflecting societal values. Editor: Examining such a utilitarian object through the lens of symbolism and materiality gives a tangible connection to the past. Curator: It makes one think of the hands that once held it, and of the world they inhabited. Editor: A testament to the enduring appeal and silent stories that objects can hold.