Cheese Stand
1790-1810 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This object was used for circulating large cheeses around a dining table at large gatherings. It has four brass castors underneath for rolling over the table top. A whole cheese was large and circular, with a flat top and bottom. It would rest securely on its side within the curved shape. Possibly the cheese would be cut in half before serving.
Design & Designing
Most cheese cradles were made of mahogany, like this one, and were relatively simple in design. The elegantly scrolling shape gives the it a fashionable Neo-classical look.
Ownership & Use
In wealthy homes cheese was served as a separate course, after the main courses but before the dessert. The Footman's Directory and Butler's Remembrancer, published in 1823, advised: 'Have your cheese and butter and salad all ready against the second course is done with'. It also advises: 'wine is seldom drank with the cheese, only porter, ale, or something of that kind'.
This object was used for circulating large cheeses around a dining table at large gatherings. It has four brass castors underneath for rolling over the table top. A whole cheese was large and circular, with a flat top and bottom. It would rest securely on its side within the curved shape. Possibly the cheese would be cut in half before serving.
Design & Designing
Most cheese cradles were made of mahogany, like this one, and were relatively simple in design. The elegantly scrolling shape gives the it a fashionable Neo-classical look.
Ownership & Use
In wealthy homes cheese was served as a separate course, after the main courses but before the dessert. The Footman's Directory and Butler's Remembrancer, published in 1823, advised: 'Have your cheese and butter and salad all ready against the second course is done with'. It also advises: 'wine is seldom drank with the cheese, only porter, ale, or something of that kind'.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Mahogany and brass |
| Brief description | Turned mahogany cheese coaster with four brass castors. English, ca. 1790-1810. |
| Physical description | Turned mahogany cheese coaster with four brass castors. The base is rectangular with a boat-shaped structure terminating in the ends of the handles. The sides are symmetrically scrolled. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Given by Mrs Kathleen Eldridge |
| Object history | Made in Britain |
| Summary | Object Type This object was used for circulating large cheeses around a dining table at large gatherings. It has four brass castors underneath for rolling over the table top. A whole cheese was large and circular, with a flat top and bottom. It would rest securely on its side within the curved shape. Possibly the cheese would be cut in half before serving. Design & Designing Most cheese cradles were made of mahogany, like this one, and were relatively simple in design. The elegantly scrolling shape gives the it a fashionable Neo-classical look. Ownership & Use In wealthy homes cheese was served as a separate course, after the main courses but before the dessert. The Footman's Directory and Butler's Remembrancer, published in 1823, advised: 'Have your cheese and butter and salad all ready against the second course is done with'. It also advises: 'wine is seldom drank with the cheese, only porter, ale, or something of that kind'. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.4-1936 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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