-Victorian House- still bank c. 1898

This is a Victorian house-shaped still bank, likely made of cast iron. Though the artist is unknown, we know it was patented by E. Stevens. The material is crucial here. Cast iron was an industrial material, suitable for mass production. This allowed for the creation of affordable, decorative objects like this one. Look closely, and you can see how the casting process has influenced the appearance of the bank, its weight, and the relatively crisp details of the architectural elements. The surface texture speaks to its manufacturing process. The social significance of the bank is also tied to its material and production. It was made to encourage thrift, associating saving with the solidity and respectability of a well-to-do home. Considering materials, making, and context allows us to understand this artwork more fully, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.