British Cutlery: an illustrated history of design, evolution and use

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.