British Cutlery: An Illustrated History of Design, Evolution and Use [Hardcover]

Peter Brown (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2, 2003

The book is based on the remarkable collection formed over the last forty five years by Bill Brown, one that is particularly strong in the early periods not often represented in museum collections.

The book is divided into two parts: Part I contains chapters on the evolution of cutlery design; the ownership of cutlery; the use of cutlery at table, and the etiquette of dining. Part II illustrates the development of eating implements across five millenia. Introductory texts to each chronological period cover advances in design and usage and the influences from Europe. Descriptive captions accompany the illustrations of over six hundred pieces, especially photographed for the book.

The resulting publication provides both an invaluable reference source for museums, collectors, and dealers as well as an important contribution to our knowledge of the presentation of meals at table.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Peter Brown is the director of Fairfax House in York and is a pioneer of contextual displays using food and period tableware. His exhibition catalogues relating to the history of food and drink include Pyramids of Pleasure (York Civic Trust 1993), In Praise of Hot Liquors (YCT 1995), Come Drink the Bowl Dry (YCT 1996) and with Ivan Day, The Pleasures of the Table (YCT 1997). He was also co-author and principal curator for Eat, Drink & Be Merry (York, London and Norwich, 2000). Bill Brown, the owner of the highly regarded and important collection to which the exhibition is dedicated, trained at the Camberwell School of Art, London, before starting his career as a graphic artist. His background in design was pivotal in developing an interest and a good eye for antiques. His love for antique collecting and an interest in researching started in the late 1950s and has included glass and ceramics as well as metalware. It is his passion for cutlery for which he is best known and since the 1960s he has established himself as a leading authority in the field. His commitment to the cutler's art is almost matched by an interest for growing bonsai, for which he has won many awards.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers; 1St Edition edition (May 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085667544X
• ISBN-13: 978-0856675447
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #423,092 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #27 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Precious Metals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book, January 9, 2010

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anonymous (California, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: British Cutlery: An Illustrated History of Design, Evolution and Use (Hardcover)

Having an interest in antiques and particularly in the evolution of cutlery, I find this book very interesting. Lots of very clear photos and plenty of explanations.