Sugar Bowl and Lid c. 1760

This delicate sugar bowl and lid was crafted by the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company. While seemingly a simple household item, it is important to remember the historical context of the consumption of sugar. During the time this piece was likely made, sugar was a highly sought-after commodity inextricably linked to the brutal realities of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. Sugar fueled economies but at an immense human cost, becoming a marker of both wealth and exploitation. This porcelain bowl, adorned with blue floral patterns, invites us to consider the complex narratives woven into everyday objects. It serves as a reminder of the power and politics embedded in our material culture, urging us to reflect on the legacies of those histories that still echo today.