Epergne

Epitomising the neoclassical style popular during the reign of George III, this silver epergne was made by master silversmith Thomas Pitts, who was considered one of the greatest makers of this specialist dining vessel. Drawing inspiration from the Greek and Italian archaeological discoveries of the early eighteenth century, neoclassicism was the predominant style between 1750 and 1800. Developments in manufacturing enabled silversmiths to create delicate and more refined aesthetics, these being vastly different from the highly decorative earlier rococo style. The hallmarks of this pared-back style abound in this epergne, from the fluted architectural uprights, central urn, roundels, and leaf motifs to the majestic ball-and-claw feet.

The epergne takes inspiration from French dining fashion, whereby diners would serve themselves from the multiple dishes already on the table, with the epergne taking pride of place as the centrepiece of the setting. Elegant and beautiful, the epergne also served a very useful purpose: its layering and increased height meant that this dish provided valuable space on overcrowded dining tables.