Mug 1755 - 1756

Editor: Here we have a silver mug by Richard Gurney, who lived from 1727 to 1773. The floral designs feel almost delicate against the metal, what strikes you about this piece? Curator: It's interesting to consider the mug's function beyond mere utility. Who would have used this? Silver signified wealth and status, yet a mug implies everyday use. The tension between function and display raises questions about social hierarchy. Editor: So, it’s less about drinking and more about showing off? Curator: Perhaps. It reflects the social theater of the 18th century, where even mundane objects performed a role in reinforcing class distinctions. What do you make of the engraved designs? Editor: I hadn't considered the class implications, now I wonder if it was ever actually used. Curator: Exactly, food for thought.