Plate 1746 - 1747

This plate was made by Paul de Lamerie, a master silversmith working in 18th century London. It is formed from silver, a material prized for its luster, malleability, and resistance to corrosion. Lamerie and his workshop would have started with a flat ingot, hammering it painstakingly into a thin sheet. This was then raised into a plate using specialized hammers and stakes, annealed with heat to keep the metal from cracking as it was worked. The scalloped edge and decorative beading demonstrate remarkable control over the material. A coat of arms is engraved at the top, indicating that this was likely commissioned by a wealthy family. The value of this plate resides not only in the precious material, but also the intensive labor required to produce it. It's a testament to the skill of Lamerie and his team, and a potent symbol of wealth and status in an era defined by social hierarchy. By considering the making of this object, we appreciate the artistic vision, and also the social context in which such luxury items were produced and consumed.