Vase
1816-1817 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This vase may well have been made to enhance the dining room of a wealthy patron. Driven by a curiosity about the past, there was a revival of interest in the designs of antique silver and a desire once again to display it on the sideboard. The grand buffets of the past began once more to grace the dining rooms of the aristocracy.
Trading
Although the vase was made Benjamin Smith (1764-1823) , it was probably sold by the Royal Goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. Smith had managed a workshop in Greenwich near London for Rundells until 1807, but continued to supply the firm. The designs, so closely related to those of Rundells' other main workshop managed by Paul Storr (1771-1844), must reflect the central control exercised by the Royal Goldsmiths. The vase may have been returned to the firm in the 1820s for engraving, since this records that the piece was presented as a marriage gift by Alexander Saunderson in 1828.
This vase may well have been made to enhance the dining room of a wealthy patron. Driven by a curiosity about the past, there was a revival of interest in the designs of antique silver and a desire once again to display it on the sideboard. The grand buffets of the past began once more to grace the dining rooms of the aristocracy.
Trading
Although the vase was made Benjamin Smith (1764-1823) , it was probably sold by the Royal Goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. Smith had managed a workshop in Greenwich near London for Rundells until 1807, but continued to supply the firm. The designs, so closely related to those of Rundells' other main workshop managed by Paul Storr (1771-1844), must reflect the central control exercised by the Royal Goldsmiths. The vase may have been returned to the firm in the 1820s for engraving, since this records that the piece was presented as a marriage gift by Alexander Saunderson in 1828.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Silver gilt, cast, chased and engraved |
| Brief description | Silver-gilt, London hallmarks for 1816-17, mark of Benjamin Smith |
| Physical description | Urn shaped on richly chased base, the lower part of the body with cast and applied acanthus leaves and around the neck a double spray of grapes and vine leaves, curved handles attached by palmettes. Low domed cover with artichoke knob. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions |
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| Gallery label | British Galleries:
This piece shows how Rundells and their designers transformed a standard Neo-classical form into something weightier and grander through the application of rich ornament. The addition of decorative motifs added to the cost of the piece and may reflect customer choice.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by W. J. Johnson |
| Object history | Made by Benjamin Smith (born in Birmingham, 1764, died in London, 1823) with maker's mark 'BS, BS' Engraved with the arms of Montgomery quartering Eglinton and inscribed THE GIFT OF ALEXR SANDERSON ESQR MP 1828 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | Object Type This vase may well have been made to enhance the dining room of a wealthy patron. Driven by a curiosity about the past, there was a revival of interest in the designs of antique silver and a desire once again to display it on the sideboard. The grand buffets of the past began once more to grace the dining rooms of the aristocracy. Trading Although the vase was made Benjamin Smith (1764-1823) , it was probably sold by the Royal Goldsmiths, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. Smith had managed a workshop in Greenwich near London for Rundells until 1807, but continued to supply the firm. The designs, so closely related to those of Rundells' other main workshop managed by Paul Storr (1771-1844), must reflect the central control exercised by the Royal Goldsmiths. The vase may have been returned to the firm in the 1820s for engraving, since this records that the piece was presented as a marriage gift by Alexander Saunderson in 1828. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.1681:1, 2-1944 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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