Spoon

Art Historical Context

This elegant spoon, crafted between 1879 and 1882 at the Linthorpe Pottery Works in Yorkshire, exemplifies the innovative spirit of British design during the late Victorian era. Christopher Dresser, a pioneering figure in industrial design, collaborated with the pottery to create functional yet artistic objects that merged traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. The piece combines glazed brown earthenware silver accents, showcasing the studio’s experimental approach to materials and form. Measuring just over ten inches in length, the spoon reflects the broader cultural interest in accessible art pottery during this period. Linthorpe’s production methods allowed for high-quality decorative wares that brought refined design into everyday use. Its presence in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts highlights its enduring appeal as both a utilitarian object and a testament to Dresser’s forward-thinking vision.

About the Artist

Linthorpe Pottery Works|Christopher Dresser (British|British, Scottish) · 1879 |1834 –1889 |1904

British, 1879–1889|British, Glasgow, Scotland 1834–1904 Mulhouse