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London 1785, what is it?

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Author	Topic: London 1785, what is it?
Scotia Posts: 125 Registered: Oct 2003	posted 03-18-2005 01:15 PM Hi there, Picked up this nice piece of Georgian Silver in New York. Had a look in some of my books and on Google but I do not know what it is for. It is by John Wakelin & William Taylor, London 1785. It is a plain piece adorned with a small wolf on the side opposite the handle, presumably a crest? It is quite heavy and stands 3" tall and is 5" in diameter. Do you know what it is called? IP: Logged
adelapt Posts: 418 Registered: May 2003	posted 03-18-2005 02:05 PM I'd suggest looking at a skyphos or kylix, both archaic hellenistic drinking vessels, for the origins of this one. Yours was made at the end of a century which saw a great revival of interest in classical artifacts following excavations in Europe, particularly those at Pompei. They had gained the attention of architects and designers, and sparked the "classical revival". The simple appeal of the shape would have been understood well by some of the cultured clients of a firm like Wakelin & Taylor. IP: Logged
Scotia Posts: 125 Registered: Oct 2003	posted 03-25-2005 04:03 PM Hi again, Thanks for the info. I have showed it to a couple of people and asked them what date they thought it was (without looking at the marks)and they guessed the 1890's and the 1930's. Even though neoclassical, it is a piece that was way ahead of its time, the design being very refined and elegant, lacking the fussy ornamentation of the Victorian era. I was wondering if anyone had more information on the makers, were they well known for this type of design and did they influence or take influence from the great designers of the late 18th century? Also, was it likely to have been used for drinking or more of a decorative piece? I have been unable to find anything similar online. [This message has been edited by Scotia (edited 03-25-2005).] IP: Logged
Brent Posts: 1507 Registered: May 99	posted 03-25-2005 04:42 PM Adelapt is right on; it inspired by a Greek or Roman design, and is very much of the period. Some neo-classical designs have more ornamentation, especially those inspired by Robert Adam, and can look "old". Others, like your piece, are very "chaste", and can look quite modern. I'll bet it is a punch cup. Brent IP: Logged
adelapt Posts: 418 Registered: May 2003	posted 03-27-2005 11:38 PM For good information on this firm, though primarily up to about 1776, see Helen Clifford's excellent book "Silver in London", published by Yale U. P. last year. It goes into the style of the company in its various manifestations, its suppliers and clientele. IP: Logged

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