Chimney Ornament: Wedding c. 1820

This earthenware chimney ornament titled Wedding was created by the Staffordshire Potteries. These ornaments are from a time when marriage was deeply intertwined with social status and economic stability. Arranged marriages were still common among the upper classes, and the pressure to marry well was intense for both men and women. The couple, formally posed, are placed in front of what appears to be a castle, a traditional symbol of solidity and the family home. Juxtapose that with the rather more ‘low-born’ figure on the left, who seems to be blessing the union, and whose trade seems to be blacksmithing. This tension reminds us that marriage was not only a private affair but also a public performance that reinforced societal norms. These objects were often displayed prominently in the home, reflecting the values and aspirations of the family. This specific ornament suggests a narrative about love, duty, and the negotiation of social expectations.