Three salvers 1719 - 1720

These three silver salvers were crafted by Thomas Folkingham in the early 18th century. Each surface bears an engraved heraldic crest, symbols of lineage and power in their time. Such emblems are not unique to this era. Think back to the ancient Roman emperors, whose coins bore their likeness and symbols of their reign. Or consider the medieval knights, their shields emblazoned with family crests, asserting their identity and heritage on the battlefield. These are all echoes, reappearances of a primal need to mark oneself, to claim a place in the world's narrative. The crest on these salvers speaks of stability, of a family's enduring presence. This idea of permanence can be a powerful illusion. Just as the symbols of royalty evolved from sacred emblems to mere political tools, the meaning of family crests shifted with the tides of social change. These objects are not just utilitarian, but also vessels of collective memory. They tap into our deepest desires for belonging, for recognition, and the perpetuation of our own stories through time.