Plate (one of a set of twelve) 1715 - 1716

This silver plate was crafted by Thomas Farren in the 18th century. Note the subtle yet pronounced family crest. Crests such as these were not mere decorations; they were potent symbols of lineage, status, and ancestral pride. Consider how crests appear throughout history, from the insignias on Roman shields to the heraldic emblems of medieval knights, each serving as a visual shorthand for identity and allegiance. Think about the psychological weight these symbols carried. For the families who bore them, they were a source of pride and a reminder of their heritage. For others, they evoked respect, fear, or perhaps even envy. The persistence of such symbols speaks to our deep-seated need for belonging and recognition. Crests, like other forms of visual identity, tap into our collective memory, evoking a sense of continuity and connection to the past. This plate is more than just a piece of tableware; it's a tangible link to a bygone era, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history.