Platter

Art Historical Context

This elegant 18th-century pewter platter, crafted by London makers Thomas Fasson and Samuel, exemplifies the refined metalwork traditions of British decorative arts. Measuring 15 inches in diameter it was designed for serving food at the dining table, a staple in prosperous households where pewter offered an affordable yet sophisticated alternative to silver. The soft, silvery alloy—primarily tin with traces of antimony and copper—allowed for smooth casting and hammering techniques, resulting in durable, gleaming pieces that polished to a subtle luster. Pewter production in London during this period was strictly regulated by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers, ensuring high standards of quality and marking each item with touchmarks like those of Fasson and Ellis. These platters were not just functional but symbols of status, gracing the tables of the emerging middle class amid Britain's Georgian prosperity. Their understated elegance highlights the era's appreciation for honest craftsmanship over ornate excess. A generous gift to The Metropolitan Museum of Art from Mrs. Russell Sage in 1909, this platter invites us to savor the everyday artistry of the 1700s, bridging the gap between utility and beauty in European home life.

About the Artist

Thomas Fasson|Samuel Ellis (British|British) · 1744 |1673 –1844 |1773

British, died 1844|British, active 1725–48, died 1773