Soup Tureen
1776-1777 (hallmarked)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Large tureens for serving soups and stews during the first and second courses of dinner were adopted by the British in the early 18th century, following the lead of the French Court. Although William III travelled with a 'soupe dish' before 1700, the earliest reference to a 'toureene' in England can be found in the silver issued to Henri de Massue de Revigny, Earl of Galway (1648-1720), as Britain's Ambassador to Portugal in 1708. Sets of tureens were of primary importance on the grandest dining tables of the 18th century, and a complete dinner service would include two pairs to be placed at either end of the table and two flanking the centrepiece. In France tureens were supplied with stands, but this was not often the case in Britain. They were expensive items which added to the theatrical display of the dinner table. John, 3rd Earl Waldegrave (died 1784), ordered a 'terrine and cover' from the goldsmiths Parker & Waklin in 1770 which cost £54 19s 6d.
People
This tureen and stand were made by the royal goldsmith Thomas Heming (1723-1801), who supplied ceremonial silver for the coronation of George III in 1760.
Design
This tureen and stand shows French stylistic influence in its proportions and in the sophisticated use of Neo-classical ornament, common to much of Thomas Heming's silver. He served his apprenticeship with the London Huguenot silversmith Peter Archambo (died 1767), and is known to have used published design sources from France.
Large tureens for serving soups and stews during the first and second courses of dinner were adopted by the British in the early 18th century, following the lead of the French Court. Although William III travelled with a 'soupe dish' before 1700, the earliest reference to a 'toureene' in England can be found in the silver issued to Henri de Massue de Revigny, Earl of Galway (1648-1720), as Britain's Ambassador to Portugal in 1708. Sets of tureens were of primary importance on the grandest dining tables of the 18th century, and a complete dinner service would include two pairs to be placed at either end of the table and two flanking the centrepiece. In France tureens were supplied with stands, but this was not often the case in Britain. They were expensive items which added to the theatrical display of the dinner table. John, 3rd Earl Waldegrave (died 1784), ordered a 'terrine and cover' from the goldsmiths Parker & Waklin in 1770 which cost £54 19s 6d.
People
This tureen and stand were made by the royal goldsmith Thomas Heming (1723-1801), who supplied ceremonial silver for the coronation of George III in 1760.
Design
This tureen and stand shows French stylistic influence in its proportions and in the sophisticated use of Neo-classical ornament, common to much of Thomas Heming's silver. He served his apprenticeship with the London Huguenot silversmith Peter Archambo (died 1767), and is known to have used published design sources from France.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Silver, with chased, cast, engraved and applied decoration |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Underneath the tureen is the French 'swan' import mark used in 1893 and the engraved details 'No. 2 - 146' (troy ounces) |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
While the vase-shaped form and looped handles of this tureen are taken from ancient prototypes, its four legs and supporting dish are reflections of contemporary French silver. The leaf and intertwined 'guilloche' pattern of the central band are closely based on those used by Robert Adam.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Made in London by Thomas Heming (active from 1738, died between 1795 and 1801) Classical Ideal RF.2009/1012 |
| Summary | Object Type Large tureens for serving soups and stews during the first and second courses of dinner were adopted by the British in the early 18th century, following the lead of the French Court. Although William III travelled with a 'soupe dish' before 1700, the earliest reference to a 'toureene' in England can be found in the silver issued to Henri de Massue de Revigny, Earl of Galway (1648-1720), as Britain's Ambassador to Portugal in 1708. Sets of tureens were of primary importance on the grandest dining tables of the 18th century, and a complete dinner service would include two pairs to be placed at either end of the table and two flanking the centrepiece. In France tureens were supplied with stands, but this was not often the case in Britain. They were expensive items which added to the theatrical display of the dinner table. John, 3rd Earl Waldegrave (died 1784), ordered a 'terrine and cover' from the goldsmiths Parker & Waklin in 1770 which cost £54 19s 6d. People This tureen and stand were made by the royal goldsmith Thomas Heming (1723-1801), who supplied ceremonial silver for the coronation of George III in 1760. Design This tureen and stand shows French stylistic influence in its proportions and in the sophisticated use of Neo-classical ornament, common to much of Thomas Heming's silver. He served his apprenticeship with the London Huguenot silversmith Peter Archambo (died 1767), and is known to have used published design sources from France. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.17&A-1972 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
