Galvanoplastische reproductie van een meloenvormige ketel before 1878

This melon-shaped kettle was made by Elkington & Co., using a process called galvanoplasty. Electroplating was a signature technique for this firm, allowing for the creation of detailed, affordable metalwares. Look closely, and you can see the way the metal follows the contours of the melon form. The handle has been shaped and woven together, showing the collaboration with different artisans. Electroplating emerged in the 19th century as a way to fuse the aesthetics of handcraft with industrial production. The process involves using an electric current to deposit a thin layer of metal onto a base material. This allowed manufacturers to create objects that appeared to be solid silver or gold, but were in fact made from less expensive metals. So, next time you pour yourself a cup of tea, consider the complex relationship between craft, industry, and the everyday objects that enrich our lives.