Souvenir spoon with finial in form of John Bull 1894 - 1895

This souvenir spoon with a finial in the form of John Bull was made by Saunders & Shepherd in England. Souvenir spoons became popular in the late 19th century, catering to the growing tourism industry and representing a form of personal memento. The figure of John Bull, a national personification of Great Britain, emerged in the 18th century. Often depicted as a stout, jolly man, John Bull embodied the spirit of the English middle class: patriotic, pragmatic, and fond of good living. Note how the spoon’s design incorporates this recognizable figure. Its presence underscores the cultural phenomenon of national identity formation through popular imagery. Understanding the historical context of this spoon, one can delve into sources such as trade catalogs, historical newspapers, and museum archives. Doing so helps in uncovering the meanings behind such objects and highlights the power of art to reflect and shape social attitudes.