With Thomas Boulsover's invention of Sheffield plate in 1742, a whole new industry was born. The revolutionary technique of fusion plating allowed a wide range of articles made in silver to be imitated more cheaply by using sheets of copper that had already been plated with silver. The extraordinary expansion of the industry throughout the second half of the eighteenth century was a triumph of ingenuity, craftsmanship, excellence of design and marketing. Most importantly, Sheffield plate enjoyed the universal patronage of the aristocracy, much to the chagrin of London silversmiths. This book covers all those aspects of the trade, is profusely illustrated with examples and provides an account of the opening of the Sheffield and Birmingham assay offices.
Sheffield plate, which has contributed so magnificantly to England's heritage of eighteenth century applied art, deserves the properly researched account of its early history, which this book provides.
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