Clothes brush (one of a pair) 1874 - 1875

This clothes brush, one of a pair, was made by the Barnard Brothers out of silver, gold, and bristle. The silver body is ornately decorated with chased floral motifs, demonstrating considerable skill in metalworking. Notice the gilded medallion on top, with its delicate blue enamel monogram. These brushes would have been handled every day, and the choice of precious materials speaks volumes about the owner’s social standing. Consider the amount of work involved in the production process, from the mining of the silver and gold, to the skilled labor of the silversmith and enameller. The Barnard Brothers would have been part of a complex network of workshops and suppliers, relying on both industrial processes and handcraft. These brushes remind us that even the most quotidian objects can be imbued with cultural significance through their materials and making. By examining these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the society that produced them, challenging the traditional distinctions between art, craft, and design.