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Actions Displays	Marriage plates Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number21754.1270 TitleMarriage plates Creator James Hitchman DescriptionThis charming pair of pewter plates were made in London in the early 18th century by a pewterer called James Hitchman. His maker’s mark is stamped on the reverse. They are thought to be marriage plates. One plate is decorated with a splendid peacock and the other a peahen surrounded by flowers and leaves - they represent a married couple in their wedding finery. Complete with the owners’ initials, they would have been a lovely reminder of a very special occasion. The designs are reminiscent of folk art and were made using a technique known as wrigglework. Each mark and line was made using a narrow chisel-like blade, which the maker rocked slightly from side to side. This created a zig-zag groove – known today as wrigglework. Other common motifs found on wrigglework are flowers such as tulips and roses, and animals and birds like the swan and the deer. Interestingly, these designs were also popular on pottery and in needlework at the time. Production placeLondon Production date 1701 - 1735 Object namePlate MaterialPewter Dimensions Diameter: 216 mm

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number21754.1270

TitleMarriage plates

DescriptionThis charming pair of pewter plates were made in London in the early 18th century by a pewterer called James Hitchman. His maker’s mark is stamped on the reverse. They are thought to be marriage plates. One plate is decorated with a splendid peacock and the other a peahen surrounded by flowers and leaves - they represent a married couple in their wedding finery. Complete with the owners’ initials, they would have been a lovely reminder of a very special occasion. The designs are reminiscent of folk art and were made using a technique known as wrigglework. Each mark and line was made using a narrow chisel-like blade, which the maker rocked slightly from side to side. This created a zig-zag groove – known today as wrigglework. Other common motifs found on wrigglework are flowers such as tulips and roses, and animals and birds like the swan and the deer. Interestingly, these designs were also popular on pottery and in needlework at the time.

Production placeLondon

Production date 1701 - 1735

Object namePlate

MaterialPewter

Dimensions

Diameter: 216 mm