Plate (one of a set of twelve) 1715 - 1716

This plate is one of a set of twelve, made in the 18th century by Thomas Farren. It’s made of silver, a material that has always been associated with wealth and status. Silverware like this was not just functional; it was a display of affluence. The process of making it involved a lot of labor. The silver had to be mined, smelted, and then worked by skilled silversmiths. Creating a set of twelve such plates would have taken considerable time and expertise. The plate’s surface is smooth, but close up, you can see the marks of the tools that shaped it. The weight of the silver gives the plate a substantial feel, a testament to its value. The subtle engraved details at the top, a coat of arms, speaks to the original owner's social standing. So, next time you see a piece of silverware, remember it's not just about eating. It's about the story of materials, labor, and the society that valued them.