Seasons of a Gentleman
Upon my time at AC Silver, I have been fortunate enough to be visually stimulated by art movements. Within each movement I have discovered certain items of silverware which have challenged my understanding and personal artistic logic. Today the piece I admire is a Georgian sterling silver tea caddy which is a rather rare example […] ...Read More...
Novelty Silver
What is a Novelty Object? We all enjoy novelty objects- what’s not to love about an item whose primary function is to entertain? Novelty objects are sold for their uniqueness and humour. Some novelty items are specifically designed to have no practical purpose- they are fun simply because they are new. However, practical items can […] ...Read More...
18th Century Table Settings
‘One cannot have too large a party’ – Jane Austen I love the Georgian era. It sounds odd to say but if someone was to ask me which particular period I’m enamoured by the most it would probably have to be the time of the four George’s. Why? Primarily, it’s probably due to my keen […] ...Read More...
Antique Bar Accessories
Is there anything better than a fully-stocked bar? Clinking tumblers, sparkling decanters, and shimmering liquors; pouring wine from a claret jug, hosting sophisticated cocktail parties, or settling into the evening with a glass of something cool and refreshing; antique bar accessories truly bring the vision to life. Picture the scene: today was long, the work […] ...Read More...
The Owl, the Pussy-Cat, and the Runcible Spoon
‘They dined on mince, and slices of quince, Which they ate with a runcible spoon; And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon,’ ‘The Owl and the Pussy-Cat’ by Edward Lear (1871) Everyone was a child once, and most of us will recall the renowned […] ...Read More...
Tea in the Georgian Era
The routine is familiar to us all- boil the kettle, steep the tea, and add milk and sugar to taste. Tea-making is as natural to us Brits as breathing. In fact, centuries ago writer David Elliston claimed ‘the making of tea is one of the most deep seated British rituals, impervious to change’. It’s hard […] ...Read More...
How to Set the Perfect Easter Table
Spring has finally sprung and I don’t know about you but it feels like Mother Nature really took her time with this one. Having said that, now that spring is here I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the longer nights, the (slightly) warmer days, and then of course there’s all the new life around – i’m primarily […] ...Read More...
Hester Bateman the Female Silversmith
The silversmith profession appears to be dominated by males, however I soon began to unearth the female silversmiths. From Elizabeth Eaton/Jones/Cooke to Mary Chawner, like a beautiful blossom at the beginning of spring my eyes opened to the ladies of the prior centuries getting involved in this time honoured craftsmanship. I did however chose my […] ...Read More...
Luxury 21st Birthday Gifts for Her
’21 today, 21 today, she’ll have the key to the door, never been 21 before.’ Perhaps a reference that’s a bit before her time, but certainly one that encapsulates the excitement of turning 21. A birthday is always a special occasion, but a 21st birthday is a true milestone that should be celebrated accordingly- and […] ...Read More...
The Art of Pin Cushions
My mother is not a seamstress. She owns one pin cushion, and it does not see the light of day very often. She may be in the minority; however, as sewing is a very popular craft among thousands, and pin cushions are essential parts of it. Pin cushions date back in recorded history to the […] ...Read More...
