Wine cooler 1828

This electroplated wine cooler was crafted by Edward, James, and Barnard, also known as Edward Barnard & Sons. Although undated, its intricate design provides insight into the social values of its time. The imagery of grapes and cherubic figures covering the cooler evokes classical themes, referencing a romanticized past often associated with wealth and refinement. This historicism reflects a desire to connect with established traditions and legitimize the social status of the owner. Made in England, a country with a complicated history of class division, this cooler is an indication of the industrial revolution's contribution to social mobility. The upper class was eager to stake its claim. Studying the firm of Edward Barnard & Sons and their clientele through surviving business records helps us understand the cultural aspirations of the rising elite and the role of decorative arts in shaping social identity.