Baby's Bottle 1810 - 1850

This baby bottle was made by Thomas Danforth Boardman out of pewter, a metal alloy with a soft gleam. Pewter was a common material for domestic objects in the 18th and 19th centuries, prized for its malleability and affordability. Boardman was a master of the material. Notice the smooth, rounded form, achieved by casting the pewter in a mold, before being lathed and polished. The bottle's simple design reflects a broader shift towards industrial production and a growing consumer culture. As the demand for goods increased, artisans like Boardman adapted their practices to meet the needs of a changing market. The mass production of items like baby bottles highlights the intersection of industry, family life, and the increasing commodification of everyday objects. The very ordinariness of this object is its strength. It encourages us to consider the artistry inherent in even the most functional of items.