Model of an Anchor c. 1879

This is an anonymous model of an anchor made of brass, likely cast using the lost wax technique. The choice of brass gives this object its character, as the metal offers strength, durability and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for maritime environments. It also allows for a highly polished finish. Traces of this original sheen remain, hinting at the craftsperson's original intent to create a functional object that was also visually appealing. The method of production – casting – involved creating a mold, pouring in molten brass, and then carefully finishing the surface to achieve the final shape. The labour intensive process suggests it was made to last. Although small in scale, it reflects a world of work and material transformation. Considering how it was crafted reminds us that even the most utilitarian objects carry embedded social values, inviting us to look beyond the aesthetic surface, and to acknowledge the skills of production that underpin our material world.