Ladle 1758

Editor: Here we have William Tant's "Ladle". It’s deceptively simple, almost stark in its presentation. What stories do you think an object like this can tell us? Curator: Well, it immediately speaks to issues of class and labor in 18th-century society. Who would have owned this? Who would have been denied access to such an object? Editor: That's a really interesting point! I hadn't considered the inequalities inherent in even a simple tool. Curator: Exactly! This ladle represents a power dynamic, a separation between those who serve and those who are served. What else does it say about gender roles? Editor: I suppose women were more associated with cooking? I need to think more about this. Thanks for helping me see this piece so differently. Curator: The pleasure is all mine. Let’s both consider how everyday objects like this reflect larger social structures.