Silver decorative arts

1 July 1987

Interior Design

Through the ages, precious metals have been fashioned by artisans to adorn the body and the environment. Silver, more than gold, has been used to decorate ourselves and our homes for several reasons. For one thing, silver is less expensive. For another, it is lighter in weight, more practical and less ostentatious.
The history of silver must begin in England, which has produced more fine examples of the silver-smith's art than any other country in the world. The term "Sterling" is an indication of the importance of the English standard, although the word, ironically, owes its origin to a band of immigrant Germans. They called themselves the Easterlings because of the region in which they lived, and they were summoned to England by King John in 1300 to refine some silver for use as coins.
In a 1343 decree the first two letters were dropped from Easterling and the term Sterling adopted. In 1423 a law was passed by Henry VI which fixed the price of silver at a definite valuation of 22 shillings to the pound. This standard has been changed many times, always by law, and along with it has evolved a complex system of identification and dating called hallmarking. It is because of the stringent laws of the government, and their rigid enforcement, that practically no forged antique silver is found in Great Britain. Also, it is relatively simple, with the help of reference guides, to ascertain the date, place of origin and often the maker of all hallmarked silver. In the early days, silver was fashioned in the service of the church. But as commerce with foreign countries developed, greater quantities of raw silver were shipped to England, and the demand for luxury goods in silver grew.
The most popular pieces were basins and ewers, salts, dishes and chargers. More drinking cups were made than any other pieces, for every man reserved the right to have his personal cup. If he were rich, his cup was made of silver; if he were poor, it might be made of wood or bone, but it would probably have a silver rim or shield.
At the other end of the spectrum were extravagant tea services, toilet sets, epergnes and other table ornaments that were made for the upper classes.
The most lavish silver I have ever seen is the suite of silver furniture that was commissioned by the Sackvilles for their country estate Knole in the 17th century. Part of the suite was exhibited in the Treasure Houses of Britain show at the National Gallery in Washington, but the impact of an entire room of exquisitely designed and wrought silver pieces in the castle is incredible.
The earliest known French silver dates back to the time of the Roman invasion when silver and gold were used as decorations on horse saddles. A famous silversmith known as St. Eloi who worked from 588 to 659 organised the first guild with its own laws and privileges. The first law that required the use of a town mark was passed in 1275, and from that date the system of hallmarking silver in France was established.
Design in France, as in England, followed the great movements of culture, and the periods and styles of silver are on the whole the same as those of architecture and furniture. An outstanding name in French silver history is that of Odiot who is credited with creating the Empire style. Rivalled in excellence only by the Adam brothers in England, his designs spread like wildfire. Royalty throughout Europe commissioned Odiot to make magnificent services, and much of his silver has survived.
In Holland silver was not in general use until about 1850 when a mild wave of prosperity encouraged this extravagance. Silversmiths specialized in the production of drinking vessels, ewers and basins and a few ecclesiastical pieces.
The silver tray <alas, not pictured here> is from this period. Although it has no maker's mark, it is known to be Dutch and circa 1870. The silver is in good repair and the raised gallery is repousse in allegorical design of cherubs and flowers. This is the kind of tray I like to use for a tea table or a cocktail table. Low tables were not used in the past, so I look for beautiful old trays in tole or porcelain or silver, and have stands made to convert them to table tops. I found this lovely Dutch tray at The Tudor Rose, 28 East 10th Street, New York, off University Place, and it made a charming tea table.

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