Plate 1711 - 1771

This plate was crafted by Thomas Byles in the 18th century from pewter, a metal alloy primarily made of tin. Pewter was the common material for tableware before the rise of industrial ceramics, and it's a fascinating material in itself. Its softness allows it to be easily shaped through casting or hammering, but also means it is prone to scratching and denting with use, acquiring a patina that speaks to its history. The plate’s simple, functional design reflects the values of the period, where utility and durability were prioritized over elaborate decoration. The process of its creation would have involved skilled labor, from mining the raw materials to the craftsman's expertise in alloying and shaping the metal. Considering this plate in the context of its time, we recognize the importance of everyday objects as indicators of cultural values and material conditions, blurring the lines between craft, design, and social history.