Teaspoon
1872-1873 (hallmarked)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Teaspoons evolved in the late 17th century as spoon types generally became more diverse. They could be purchased as part of a large canteen of cutlery or in boxed sets.
Food & Drink
The idea of a formal afternoon tea, taken by family and friends at about 4 o'clock, emerged as people began to dine later in the evening. In the mid-18th century fashionable society dined between 3 and 4 o'clock, but by the early 19th century 7 or 8 o'clock was the rule. Afternoon tea provided welcome refreshment and an added social engagement between lunch at 1 o'clock and the later dinner hour. Apart from tea, thin bread and butter, cake and fresh fruit would be offered. Tea could also be served at other afternoon events, such as the more elaborate 'at home' teas, which combined refreshment with entertainment, or at a later, more substantial 'high tea'.
Design & Designing
The style of this spoon is derived from that of French examples from the Empire period (about 1800-1815). Similar designs were made in France in the 1860s and looked back to the 18th century for inspiration.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the teaspoon, Hunt & Roskell, was one of the most prestigious silversmiths of the Victorian period. The partnership lasted from 1843 to 1897 and exhibited at the major international exhibitions of the period.
Teaspoons evolved in the late 17th century as spoon types generally became more diverse. They could be purchased as part of a large canteen of cutlery or in boxed sets.
Food & Drink
The idea of a formal afternoon tea, taken by family and friends at about 4 o'clock, emerged as people began to dine later in the evening. In the mid-18th century fashionable society dined between 3 and 4 o'clock, but by the early 19th century 7 or 8 o'clock was the rule. Afternoon tea provided welcome refreshment and an added social engagement between lunch at 1 o'clock and the later dinner hour. Apart from tea, thin bread and butter, cake and fresh fruit would be offered. Tea could also be served at other afternoon events, such as the more elaborate 'at home' teas, which combined refreshment with entertainment, or at a later, more substantial 'high tea'.
Design & Designing
The style of this spoon is derived from that of French examples from the Empire period (about 1800-1815). Similar designs were made in France in the 1860s and looked back to the 18th century for inspiration.
Manufacturer
The manufacturer of the teaspoon, Hunt & Roskell, was one of the most prestigious silversmiths of the Victorian period. The partnership lasted from 1843 to 1897 and exhibited at the major international exhibitions of the period.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, with cast bowl and handle |
| Brief description | Teaspoon, silver, London hallmarks for 1872-73, mark of Hunt & Roskell. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Marks for Hunt and Roskell |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Teaspoons could be sold as part of a cutlery canteen or in boxed sets of six with a pair of sugar tongs.(27/03/2003) |
| Object history | Made in London by Hunt and Roskell |
| Summary | Object Type Teaspoons evolved in the late 17th century as spoon types generally became more diverse. They could be purchased as part of a large canteen of cutlery or in boxed sets. Food & Drink The idea of a formal afternoon tea, taken by family and friends at about 4 o'clock, emerged as people began to dine later in the evening. In the mid-18th century fashionable society dined between 3 and 4 o'clock, but by the early 19th century 7 or 8 o'clock was the rule. Afternoon tea provided welcome refreshment and an added social engagement between lunch at 1 o'clock and the later dinner hour. Apart from tea, thin bread and butter, cake and fresh fruit would be offered. Tea could also be served at other afternoon events, such as the more elaborate 'at home' teas, which combined refreshment with entertainment, or at a later, more substantial 'high tea'. Design & Designing The style of this spoon is derived from that of French examples from the Empire period (about 1800-1815). Similar designs were made in France in the 1860s and looked back to the 18th century for inspiration. Manufacturer The manufacturer of the teaspoon, Hunt & Roskell, was one of the most prestigious silversmiths of the Victorian period. The partnership lasted from 1843 to 1897 and exhibited at the major international exhibitions of the period. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.102A-1966 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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