Kettle and lamp stand 1708 - 1709

Curator: This is a “Kettle and lamp stand,” crafted in London between 1708 and 1709 by Lewis Mettayer. It’s primarily made of silver, reflecting the baroque style typical of decorative arts during that era. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by its formality. The highly polished silver and elegant, curvilinear forms speak to luxury and refinement. It projects such a strong sense of decorum and order. Curator: Indeed. This object speaks volumes about social status and the rituals of tea consumption. Silver was a significant display of wealth, reflecting access to trade networks and skilled craftsmanship. Editor: The baroque elements are compelling, if we consider the visual language of authority. The sinuous lines of the legs and the handle, balanced by the more reserved silhouette, generate tension—it could easily devolve into excessive ornamentation, but maintains elegance through control. Curator: Consider also how the decorative flourishes, particularly the engraved coat of arms, reinforce identity and lineage. These objects functioned as statements of familial pride and enduring legacy, integral to self-fashioning among the British elite. Editor: Looking at it more closely, the reflective surfaces also play with perception, creating highlights and shadows that accentuate its three-dimensionality. It suggests that Mettayer paid close attention to how light would interact with the piece, lending the stand a sense of vivacity despite the austerity. Curator: Absolutely. The "Kettle and lamp stand" offers a glimpse into the values and aspirations of the early 18th century—the intertwining of status, material culture, and the burgeoning global trade, all captured in this exquisite silver object. Editor: And, from a purely formal standpoint, it offers an exquisite exploration of shape, form, and the interaction of light and shadow that elevates it beyond mere function, wouldn’t you agree?