Paten 1670 - 1710

This is a paten, made of pewter by Robert Clothyer. Pewter is an alloy, mostly tin, but also including smaller amounts of other metals like copper or antimony to make it stronger. To create this paten, Clothyer would have melted the pewter and cast it in a mold. The metal would then be lathed to refine the shape. The soft, grey sheen of the metal gives the paten an understated elegance. But pewter is also a relatively inexpensive material, so it was a common choice for functional objects, used by ordinary people. This example, with its simple form, speaks to the importance of craft in everyday life. While it might not be considered 'high art' in the traditional sense, the skill and care that went into its making are evident. The paten reminds us that beauty can be found in the most humble of materials, and that the process of making is just as important as the final product.