Product Description

This lavishly illustrated book provides a comprehensive survey of the design and evolution of cutlery in Britain from Neolithic times to the present day. Over 500 examples of cutlery and place settings are described and reproduced in colour together with engravings, makers' pattern books and other documentary records. Examples from both the rich and the poor man's table are included providing a representative overview of the cutlery to be found in Britain throughout its history. The book is based on the remarkable collection formed over the last forty-five years by the collector Bill Brown, one that is particularly strong in the early periods often not represented in museum collections. The book is divided into two parts: Part I contains chapters on the evolution of cutlery design; the ownership of cutlery; the use of cutlery at table, and the etiquette of dining; Part II illustrates the development of eating implements across five millennia. Introductory texts to each chronological period cover advances in design and usage and the influences from Europe. Descriptive captions accompany the illustrations of over six hundred pieces, especially photographed for the book. The resulting publication provides both an invaluable reference source for museums, collectors and dealers as well as an important contribution to our knowledge of the presentation of meals at table. The book accompanies an exhibition at Fairfax House, York, 1 September - 28 December 2001; Sheffield's Millennium Galleries, 10 January - 15 March 2002; and the Geffrye Museum, London, 26 March - 10 June 2002.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #295906 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 160 pages

About the Author
Peter Brown is the director of Fairfax House in York and is a pioneer of contextual displays using food and period tableware. His exhibition catalogues relating to the history of food and drink include Pyramids of Pleasure (York Civic Trust 1993), In Praise of Hot Liquors (YCT 1995), Come Drink the Bowl Dry (YCT 1996) and with Ivan Day, The Pleasures of the Table (YCT 1997). He was also co-author and principal curator for Eat, Drink & Be Merry (York, London and Norwich, 2000). Bill Brown, the owner of the highly regarded and important collection to which the exhibition is dedicated, trained at the Camberwell School of Art, London, before starting his career as a graphic artist. His background in design was pivotal in developing an interest and a good eye for antiques. His love for antique collecting and an interest in researching started in the late 1950s and has included glass and ceramics as well as metalware. It is his passion for cutlery for which he is best known and since the 1960s he has established himself as a leading authority in the field. His commitment to the cutler's art is almost matched by an interest for growing bonsai, for which he has won many awards.