Set of four plates 1758

Here we have a set of four plates, crafted in the 18th century by Edward Wakelin. Consider how objects like these plates acted as silent narrators of status and lineage. Wakelin, a prominent silversmith in London, catered to an elite clientele where items like these were not merely functional. They were deeply embedded in the performance of social identity. These plates, with their subtle engravings, speak volumes about the era's obsession with heraldry and family prestige. A coat of arms engraved into the plate is a visual declaration of heritage, reflecting a rigid social structure where class was not just lived but performed through material possessions. This set invites us to reflect on the rituals of dining and display. How was family identity forged and reinforced through this kind of carefully curated domestic landscape? These are not just plates, they are artifacts that embody the complex interplay of power, identity, and material culture.