Friendship tumbler c. 1825

This Friendship tumbler was made by Bakewell, Page & Bakewell, sometime in the mid-19th century. It's made of lead glass, a material prized for its clarity and brilliance, but also for the skill required to work it. The tumbler’s surface is decorated with an intricate design, achieved through a labor-intensive process of cutting and engraving. Notice the wheel-cut geometric patterns, juxtaposed with the more delicate engraved motifs of doves and foliage. This combination speaks to the division of labor common in glass factories at the time, with some artisans specializing in basic forms, and others in surface embellishment. The imagery of friendship and love suggests a sentimental value, perhaps intended as a gift. But let’s not forget the considerable amount of work involved in its production. By attending to the materials, the making, and the context, we can appreciate the full depth of the object, beyond the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.