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

This silver plate is one of a set of twelve made by Richard Bayley, a silversmith active in London during the first half of the 18th century. In the 1700s, silver wasn't just a material, it was a symbol of power and prestige. Owning such a set signified wealth and status, reflecting the rigid class structures of the time. The weight of the silver alone – nearly 19 ounces – speaks volumes about the material excess of the elite, while the engraved crest subtly reinforced family lineage and social standing. Consider the lives of those who never had access to such luxury, whose labor perhaps contributed to the wealth that afforded such items. This plate offers us a chance to consider the complex interplay between artistry, social hierarchy, and the hidden stories of labor and privilege.