Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
AESTHETIC MOVEMENT
In 1880, polymath designer William Morris declared: “If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His words encapsulated the Aesthetic Movement, which prized beauty above all and blurred the lines between fine art and the decorative arts, particularly through lavishly crafted furniture pieces.
The Aesthetic Movement, whose major proponents included author Oscar Wilde, flourished from the 1860s to the 1880s and was mostly popular in England and the United States. Design expositions like the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, as well as the publishing of how-to books for interior design, helped disseminate Aesthetic Movement bedroom furniture, serveware, coffee tables and other items, especially to the middle class.
The establishment of new art museums, art clubs and a rising passion for collecting at the time contributed to a growing appreciation for art. Morris’s founding of Morris & Co. in 1862 and the commercializing of this “cult of beauty” by the Liberty store in London, starting in the late 19th century, further disseminated the idea of a domestic space that was thoughtfully and floridly designed.
Leading Aesthetic Movement furniture designers included E.W. Godwin, who drew on Japanese influences and whose work reflected a wider enthusiasm for imported East Asian art. British designer Christopher Dresser created textiles, ceramics and more that were also inspired by Japanese decorative art but were representative of additional diverse design sources that ranged from Egypt to Mexico.
The Aesthetic Movement’s eclecticism resulted in dazzling interiors. Japanese fans were positioned on Renaissance-inspired cabinets with brass hardware, while mantels made of rich walnut or finely carved ebonized wood and adorned with painted Minton tiles mingled with cast-iron chairs against a backdrop of floral wallpaper. In 1881, in New York City, stenciled checkerboard motifs and painted floral murals could be found under an opalescent glass chandelier in a luxurious dressing room designed by German émigré cabinetmaker-decorator George Alfred Schastey. Amid the rise of the industrial age, the style’s promotion of art in everyday life would inform the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Find a collection of antique Aesthetic Movement seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture and antiques on 1stDibs.
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Style: Aesthetic Movement
A Pair of Jensen Style Serving Spoons, stately sized
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very impressive pair of Salad or Side Dish Servers in the style of
George Jensen, the famous Danish Silver Smith.
The serving pieces are large and practical for a Buffet Service.
T...
Category
1950s American Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Figural Siren Handles
By Meridiani
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very elaborate and well executed silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States, possibly by Meridian, and dating to approximately 1890 and done in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray is is quite heavy for its size and heavily plated, and has a unique fortress shape with flanged sides with ornately cast scrolling leaf decoration. The surface of the tray is engraved with a vignette of tall ships which is framed in an elaborate scrolling leaf and foliage motif. The figural handles depict a reclining woman, beckoning to the ships from the shoreline. This tray is in very good period condition and a very good example of Aesthetic Movement plated...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Original Christopher Dresser teapot Elkington & Co
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Silver plated Victorian teapot by Elkington & Co designed By Dr Christopher Dresser. A stylish design years ahead of its time. In good condition and becoming increasingly rare.
Category
Late 19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Large Silver Plated Sea Shell Plate Hollywood Regency Art Deco Italian 1970s
Located in London, GB
This large silver-plated sea-shell shaped bowl is an evocative nod to Venus and the organic curves of nature.
Imported from 1970s Italy, it seamlessly blends the 1940s Art Deco eleg...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Tantalus Wine Cradle by Hukin & Heath in the Christopher Dresser Style
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Aesthetic Movement silver plate Tantalus Wine Cradle (1834-1904) made by Hukin & Heath, Birmingham, England and done in the style of Christopher Dresser.
Category
19th Century British Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Atkin Brothers Sheffield England Stag Horn Handle & Silver Plate Table Crumber
By Henry Atkin
Located in Philadelphia, PA
From Henry Atkin & Co. a natural Stag Horn handled table crumber, Sheffield, England, circa 1900.
The extra-plated silver crumber shows a beaded edge,...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Silver-Plated Bowl or Jeroboam Wine Coaster Fish & Net Motif, C. 1880s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
American Victorian Aesthetic Movement Silver-Plated Bowl or Jeroboam Wine Coaster with Fish & Net Motif
Hartford Silver Plate Company, Connecticut, circa 1880
Dimensions: 7” diamet...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
English Sheffield Silver & Oak Handled Salad Fork & Spoon Serving Pair, c. 1886
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A pair of silver plated servers with English Oak handles, Sheffield, England, circa 1890.
Showing the markings for Hammond, Creake & Co., Sheffie...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver
Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife
By Dickinson
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A 16 inch long butchers knife, a carbon steel blade with an unusual carved wood tapered handle, Sheffield, England.
The blade is marked: The El Dorado...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Cut Steel
Aesthetic Movement Grainger Worcester Sucrier Dated 1899
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An Aesthetic Movement Grainger Worcester sucrier with a fitted silver plated swing handle Stand dated 1899. The very finely made porcelain sucrier has a ribbed flower bud shaped body...
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
By Gorham
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
A superb quality Gorham silver plated on copper oval tea tray encrusted in cast vintage motifs. Monogram "EBR". Medallion maker's insignia: "Plate...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate, Copper
$360 Sale Price
40% Off
John Round Sheffield Aesthetic Movement Silver Plate Fan Shaped Toast Rack
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual large English Aesthetic Movement silver plate toast or muffin rack by John Round & Son of Sheffield and dated 1887. The rack stands on four square cut corner feet adjoined...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Silver Plate Aesthetic Movement Hot Water Urn Samovar, American 19th Century
Located in San Francisco, CA
An Aesthetic period silver plate on brass hot water urn samovar. Wonderfully detailed and a very fine example of this style. American, late 19th century (1...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Set of 12 Chinese Export Silver Spider Web Form Place Card Holders
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chinese Export, early 20th century.
A set of 12 Chinese Export silverplate and sterling silver spider web model place card holders. Each piece has delicat...
Category
20th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate, Sterling Silver
$1,196 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Walker & Hall, Sheffield, English Aesthetic Silver Plate Fruit Knives, S/4
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of four silver plate Aesthetic Movement fruit or dessert knives, showing the hallmarks for Walker & Hall, Sheffield, England, circa 1910.
Nicely balanced, terminating with a ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
C. 1890 Middletown Silverplate Serving Tray w/ Figural Handles
Located in San Francisco, CA
Stunning silverplate serving tray by Middletown Plate Co., circa 1890. Decorated with an engraved clipper ship vignette, flanged sides with ornate...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Metal, Silver Plate
Large Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Warriors and Serpents
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This very large and ornate silver plated serving tray is unsigned, but presumed to have been made in the United States in circa 1900 in the period Aesthetic Movement style. The tray ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Metal
Christopher Dresser Elkington & Co. Silver-Plate Cruet
Located in Sharon, CT
Rare Classic original. Has engraved monogram FEA. Fully signed.
Category
Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Exquisite Aesthetic Movement Silverplated Tea Service by Simpson, Hall & Miller
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Exquisite Aesthetic Movement Silverplated Tea Service by Simpson, Hall & Miller Co. circa 1870-1890, large scale set consisting of a hot water ...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Gorham & Co Aesthetic Movement Copper and Silver Tray
By Gorham CO.
Located in Paris, FR
Astonishing and precious this mixed metals tray is very rare, from American Aesthetic Movement inspired by the Japonism style.
The base of the tray ...
Category
1880s American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver, Copper
Antique Aesthetic Movement Dispenser on Stand with Cups
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Antique Arts & Crafts silver plate beverage dispenser on stand with cups, by the Hartford silver plate Co., CT. Large tilting beverage dispenser on ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
WMF Silverplate Modernist Plate Sigrid Kupetz Design with Small Oval Bowl
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
WMF silver plate modernist plate Sigrid Kupetz design with small oval bowl, both by Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik, mid-20th century. The plate is ...
Category
1930s German Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Plated Presentation Sugar Bowl by Christopher Dresser for Walker & Hall
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique presentation sugar bowl or basin and spoon set was designed by the very well known Christopher Dresser and made by Walker & Hall of England in approximately 1900 in the ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Hot Water Kettle with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water kettle was made by the Meridian Company of the United States in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Moveme...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Aesthetic Movement 7 Piece Silver Plated Tea Set with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated tea set was made by the Meridian Company of the United States in approximately 1890 in the period Aesthetic Mo...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Hot Water Urn with Floral Decoration
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique silver plated hot water urn was produced by the well known Simpson, Hall & Miller Co. of the United States in approxim...
Category
Early 20th Century Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a textured base, and will hold 6 ...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Period Silver Plated Tray - Circa 1880 - Engraved - 27.75" wide
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880, this stunning, Antique Silver Plated Tray, is in the Aesthetic design, with beautiful engraving to the centre. The tray mea...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Victorian Antique Centrepiece Vase, Ram Horn, Glass & Silverplate, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880, this striking, Victorian, antique silver plated centrepiece, stands on Ram horn legs, and features a varicoloured glass dish and trumpet vase. The centrepiece measur...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Period, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Located in London, London
Made circa 1880 by Hukin & Heath, this stylish, Victorian, antique silver plated candelabrum, is a fine example of the Aesthetic Movement, featuring a plain base, and will hold 6 can...
Category
1880s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate
Materials
Silver Plate
Aesthetic Movement sheffield and silverplate for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Aesthetic Movement sheffield and silverplate for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage sheffield and silverplate created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, silver and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Aesthetic Movement sheffield and silverplate made in a specific country, there are Europe, United Kingdom, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original sheffield and silverplate, popular names associated with this style include Hukin & Heath, Christopher Dresser, Gorham CO., and Walker & Hall. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for sheffield and silverplate differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $85 and tops out at $6,752 while the average work can sell for $1,073.