Two dessert spoons 1778 - 1779

These dessert spoons were crafted by Hester Bateman, a prominent female silversmith in late 18th-century England. During this era, women often gained entry into trades through family businesses, as was the case with Bateman who took over her husband’s business. Bateman’s work exists within the context of the burgeoning British silver industry, which at the time was known for its craftsmanship and design. Silverware like these spoons wasn't just functional, they were potent symbols of status and taste. Owning such pieces reflected a family's economic standing and social aspirations, but also speak to the labour and expertise required to produce luxury items. Consider how items like these connected to the broader British economy, including trade networks and colonial resources. Bateman's story is one of individual success, but it also opens up larger questions about the role of women, class, and commerce in shaping the material culture of the time.