Miniature taperstick (one of a pair) 1715 - 1735

This miniature taperstick is one of a pair made of silver by David Clayton, an English silversmith who lived from 1659 to 1719. Clayton operated in a London shaped by immense social change and the rigid structures of class that defined the late 17th and early 18th centuries. These tapersticks aren’t just functional objects; they're emblems of status. The silver from which they are crafted speaks to wealth, while the diminutive size suggests use in private, intimate settings. Imagine them gracing a writing desk, casting a soft glow as someone pens a letter, perhaps sealing it with wax to send across the world. Clayton’s work provides an intimate glimpse into the material culture of the elite. It invites reflection on the power dynamics inherent in even the most seemingly innocuous items.