Mug 1730 - 1750

This mug was made in England by George Fielding in the mid-18th century out of silver. A seemingly simple object, it’s worth considering this mug within its social and cultural context. In 18th century England, silver objects like this one were more than just functional; they were symbols of wealth and status. The rise of a prosperous merchant class created a demand for luxury goods, and silversmiths like Fielding catered to this market. Owning such a mug would have been a statement, reflecting the owner’s participation in a culture of consumption and display. But it’s also worth noting the historical associations of silver itself, often linked to colonial exploitation. To fully understand the mug, we might consult period inventories, trade records, and even literature to explore the meanings attached to silver objects in 18th-century England. In doing so we realize that something as simple as a mug can offer insights into the complex social dynamics of its time.