Charger 1820 - 1840

This pewter charger, crafted by Samuel Woods, invites us to consider the stories held within everyday objects. Pewter ware like this was common in 19th century households, embodying a burgeoning era of industrial production. Yet, beyond its functionality, the charger reflects deeper societal structures. Consider the labor involved in mining the metal, the craftsmanship required to shape it, and the hands that would have set it upon a table. The objects we use daily are tied to economic systems and human labor. The understated design reflects a certain aesthetic, a world where utility and simple beauty were of primary importance. What does it mean to create beauty out of necessity? What memories and shared meals might this charger have witnessed? It encourages us to consider the stories behind everyday artifacts.