1600 to 1730
BAROQUE
Baroque style dominant in Europe from the early 17th century until the early 18th century. It was encouraged by the catholic church as a means to counter the simplicity and austerity of Protestant art and architecture. The Baroque style used contrast, movement, and exuberant detail, to overwhelm the senses. Typical motifs include baskets of fruit or flowers, figures, cartouches, and elaborate symmetrical scroll-work.
18TH CENTURY / C. 1720-1780
ROCOCO
Rococo style is generally regarded as one of France’s most original decorative contributions, especially in silver, furniture and ceramics. Key characteristics include natural motifs like shells and flowers, hand-worked carved forms, asymmetry, S and C curved forms, rocaille frilly carvings or eroded rock, and the Acanthus leaf. Dutch-born, Paul de Lamerie was perhaps the most influential silversmith during this time.
C. 1760S – 1830S
NEO-CLASSICISM / REGENCY CLASSICISM
Neo-classicism emerged in Britain and France and was inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Rebelling against the extravagance of the Rococo style, neoclassical design focused on harmony, proportion and symmetry. Key elements include swags & festoons, urns, classical figures, real & mythical creatures, laurel wreaths, and beading. This style lasted until the time of the Prince Regent (later George IV). Not only was he a patron of many silversmiths but also his interest in antique styles helped develop the designs of domestic silverware. John Schofield, Robert Hennell and Hester Bateman’s works during this time exemplify the period and their pieces are highly sought after.
(1837-1901)
VICTORIAN
There was more silverware made in the 19th Century than ever before or after. Social and industrial developments influenced the silver design styles of this time. Silver jewelry, tea sets and large dinner services became essential requirements for the emerging middle class. The Victorian style has no consistent design theme, but borrowed elements from virtually every other previous style and combined them. Silver was heavily ornamented often featuring multiple techniques of decoration such as chasing, engraving and embossing. Hunt & Roskell, Garrard and Elkington & Co are all notable silversmiths of this period.
C 1860 – 1920
ARTS & CRAFTS
The Arts and Crafts movement grew in the early 20th centuryas a backlash against the fussy, overwrought style of the Victorian era. It rejected the factory-produced symmetry and precision of furnishings and decorative accents and instead embraced natural beauty and traditional craftsmanship. The hand-hammered finish used by silversmiths is one of the main characteristics of this style.
1890-1905
ART NOUVEAU
Art Nouveau overlaps with the Victorian period and evolved as a backlash against the mass-produced wares of that era. It was reflected in silverware through its curved asymmetrical lines often looping back in a “whiplash” like shape, intertwining floral patterns, insects and feminine shapes depicting a great influence from Japanese art. Key techniques during this time were repoussé and chasing. Georg Jensen, Gorham, Liberty & Co, and Tiffany all produced an array of Art Nouveau products.
(1900-1945)
ART DECO
Originated in Paris, Art Deco reflected the changes in the modern world: jazz, skyscrapers, radio and cubist art. It was a movement against the naturalistic feel of Art Nouveau emphasizing symmetrical and geometrical forms. Mirrors and black lacquered finishes were popular, as well as glass and highly polished metal. Key characteristics include structured floral motifs, stylized curves, zigzags and sleek geometry. Puiforcat and Georg Jensen (particularly designers Harald Nielsen and Sigvard Bernadotte) produced exemplary pieces in this style.
For more on silver design styles visit the Victoria and Albert Museum.