Plate c. 1807

Curator: Editor: So, this is a silver plate from around 1807 by William Sumner. It feels so...stark. Almost industrial with that severe rim detail. What stories do you think this plate can tell? Curator: For me, it screams of the material conditions of its production. We're looking at something born from silver mining, refinement processes, the specific silversmithing techniques available in the early 19th century. Editor: That's fascinating! So not just about serving food. How does that change our understanding? Curator: Think about the labor involved. This isn't just decorative; it reflects social power and control over resources. Who had access to silver like this? What kind of workshops would have produced it? Was it individual, or serialised production? The slight variations will be the only indication now. Editor: I hadn’t considered the workshops. Curator: And where did the silver come from? Colonial trade? That puts a whole different spin on its 'use'. Consider the environmental and human costs involved in obtaining the raw materials for such a display of wealth. Does that shift your perception of its artistry? Editor: Absolutely. I initially saw a beautiful object, but understanding the material process and implications, it transforms into a symbol of both artistry and possibly, exploitation. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. By considering materiality and means of production we see it as something enmeshed in its world. I think that awareness enriches how we engage with such an object today.