Letter 1786

James Oldham wrote this letter in London on the 24th of December 1786, using ink on paper. The note gives advice to a Madame on how best to care for her brass grate. The content of the letter offers a glimpse into the social structures of 18th-century England. Oldham's meticulous instructions on the care of household objects speak to a culture of conspicuous consumption, which saw the rise of consumerism among the middle and upper classes. The reference to "servants" also highlights the hierarchical nature of society at the time, where domestic labor was commonplace in wealthy households. Analyzing this letter requires attention to historical and material conditions of its production, but also an understanding of period social dynamics, all of which can be researched through letters, diaries, account books, and other archival sources. This approach reveals the significance of art and material culture as reflections of and contributors to, their social and institutional context.