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Wine cooler
Storr, Paul, born 1771 - died 1844 - Enlarge image
Wine cooler
- Place of origin:
London, England (made)
- Date:
1810-1811 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Storr, Paul, born 1771 - died 1844 (maker)
Rundell, Bridge & Rundell (manufacturer) - Materials and Techniques:
Silver gilt, cast and chased, with applied decoration
- Credit Line:
Given by Joseph Bond
- Museum number:
833-1890
- Gallery location:
British Galleries, room 120, case 21
Object Type
A wine cooler or ice pail for a single bottle was a French refinement for more informal dining in smaller numbers. Introduced into England in the early 18th century, it was filled with ice to chill the wine before serving. By the early 19th century, these individual wine coolers were beginning to be left on the table as part of the dressing of very grand dinners.
Design
The form of the wine cooler is based upon that of the ancient Greek calyx-krater, which was a pottery vase used for holding and mixing wine and water. This has been adapted with the addition of lion's-head handles that turn outwards rather than inwards as on the original Greek design. The broad band of ornament uses alternating palmette (a fan-shaped motif resembling a palm leaf) and lotus, which are typical Neo-classical motifs.
Trading
The Royal Goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, made this wine cooler in 1810. It would have been one of the most expensive silver items purchased for the dining room. (In 1804, for example, Viscount Lowther, later 2nd Earl Lonsdale, had paid Rundells £125 1s 9d for two wine coolers.) The royal arms and the coronation medals of William IV (ruled 1830-1837) and Queen Adelaide (1792-1849) were added to the wine cooler around 1830 to celebrate their coronation. These additions show that Rundells were updating a second-hand piece of silver, perhaps as a royal gift.
