Waiter 1738 - 1739

Edward Feline crafted this small silver waiter sometime in the mid-18th century. Objects like these can tell us a lot about the social hierarchies of the time, particularly in England. In Georgian England, the ritual of tea drinking became increasingly elaborate and stratified. Silver objects, like this waiter, weren't just functional; they were potent symbols of status and wealth. The very act of serving tea on such a piece reinforced social distinctions, displaying the host's refinement and the guest's privileged position. Feline's craftsmanship speaks to the demand for luxury goods among the burgeoning middle and upper classes. Historians rely on inventories, diaries, and trade records to piece together the world inhabited by such objects. By examining the material culture of a period, we gain insights into the values, aspirations, and power dynamics of the past.