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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
American Aesthetic Twin Turtle Figural Napkin Ring, Meriden Silver Plate Co.
American Aesthetic Twin Turtle Figural Napkin Ring, Meriden Silver Plate Co.

American Aesthetic Twin Turtle Figural Napkin Ring, Meriden Silver Plate Co.

By Meriden Silver Plate Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

American Aesthetic Twin Turtle Figural Napkin Ring Meriden Silver Plate Co., circa 1880s A finely cast American Aesthetic Movement figural napkin ring produced by the Meriden Silve...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Metal

Walker & Hall, Sheffield, English Aesthetic Silver Plate Fruit Knives, S/4
Walker & Hall, Sheffield, English Aesthetic Silver Plate Fruit Knives, S/4

Walker & Hall, Sheffield, English Aesthetic Silver Plate Fruit Knives, S/4

By Walker & Hall

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

A Pair of Jensen Style Serving Spoons, stately sized
A Pair of Jensen Style Serving Spoons, stately sized

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
Antique Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Figural Siren Handles

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

Gorham & Co Aesthetic Movement Copper and Silver Tray
Gorham & Co Aesthetic Movement Copper and Silver Tray

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

Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife
Sheffield Dickinson El Dorado Steel and Wood Handled Long Butchers Knife

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

12 American Aesthetic Movement Meriden Silverplate & Goldwashed Lotus Open Salts
12 American Aesthetic Movement Meriden Silverplate & Goldwashed Lotus Open Salts

12 American Aesthetic Movement Meriden Silverplate & Goldwashed Lotus Open Salts

By Meriden Silver Plate Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Set of 12 American Aesthetic Movement Silverplate & Goldwashed Lotus Open Salts Meriden Britannia Company, circa 1875–1890 Dimensions: 2" W × 1.75" D × 1.5" H (each) Bowl: 1.25" dia...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Large Silver Plated Sea Shell Plate Hollywood Regency Art Deco Italian 1970s
Large Silver Plated Sea Shell Plate Hollywood Regency Art Deco Italian 1970s

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

Original Christopher Dresser  teapot  Elkington & Co
Original Christopher Dresser  teapot  Elkington & Co

Original Christopher Dresser teapot Elkington & Co

By Christopher Dresser

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 Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Warriors and Serpents
Large Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Serving Tray with Warriors and Serpents

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

Set of 12 Chinese Export Silver Spider Web Form Place Card Holders
Set of 12 Chinese Export Silver Spider Web Form Place Card Holders

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

Antique Plated Presentation Sugar Bowl by Christopher Dresser for Walker & Hall
Antique Plated Presentation Sugar Bowl by Christopher Dresser for Walker & Hall

Antique Plated Presentation Sugar Bowl by Christopher Dresser for Walker & Hall

By Walker & Hall, Christopher Dresser

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

C. 1890 Middletown Silverplate Serving Tray w/ Figural Handles
C. 1890 Middletown Silverplate Serving Tray w/ Figural Handles

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

Victorian Antique Centrepiece Vase, Ram Horn, Glass & Silverplate, Circa 1880
Victorian Antique Centrepiece Vase, Ram Horn, Glass & Silverplate, Circa 1880

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 by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880

Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum by Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880

By Hukin & Heath

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, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880
Aesthetic Period, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880

Aesthetic Period, Antique Silver Plate Candelabrum, Hukin & Heath, Circa 1880

By Hukin & Heath

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

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1920s British Vintage Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

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19th Century French Louis XVI Silver-Plated Serving Tray with Handles
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Late 19th Century French Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

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English Sheffield Silver-Plated Footed Mirror Plateau
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English Sheffield Silver-Plated Footed Mirror Plateau

Located in New Orleans, LA

English Sheffield silver-plated footed mirror plateau.

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20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

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Richard Richardson Sheffield Edwardian Silverplate Tilting Spirit Kettle/Teapot
Richard Richardson Sheffield Edwardian Silverplate Tilting Spirit Kettle/Teapot

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Located in Soquel, CA

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Category

Early 1900s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

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English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy

English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy

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H 7 in Dm 7.25 in

English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy

Located in New York, NY

An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...

Category

20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

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19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service
19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service

19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service

$3,900 / set

H 16 in W 11 in D 8 in

19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service

By Sheffield Silver Co.

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Early 19th century English Sheffield silver plate tableware five pieces tea/coffee service. The coffee/tea features intricate exterior floral details and paw. The set include a tall ...

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Early 1800s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Large Ornate Oval Footed Victorian Silver Plate Tray with Gallery and Handles
Large Ornate Oval Footed Victorian Silver Plate Tray with Gallery and Handles

Large Ornate Oval Footed Victorian Silver Plate Tray with Gallery and Handles

By Sheffield, Gorham

Located in New York, NY

Exceptional silver plate tray, of oval form having a pierced trim gallery, ornate handles and decorative feet. The center surface is finely and intricately decorated, the workmanship...

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Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique James W. Tufts Boston Engraved Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Tea Set
Antique James W. Tufts Boston Engraved Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Tea Set

Antique James W. Tufts Boston Engraved Silverplate Aesthetic Movement Tea Set

By James W. Tufts

Located in Centennial, CO

A sweet aesthetic movement antique circa 1880 three piece tea set by Boston maker James W. Tufts. The set is made of silverplate and engraved with decorative Asian motifs including b...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Previously Available Items
American Victorian Figural Silver-Plated Bird & Leaf Napkin Ring, by Meriden
American Victorian Figural Silver-Plated Bird & Leaf Napkin Ring, by Meriden

American Victorian Figural Silver-Plated Bird & Leaf Napkin Ring, by Meriden

By Meriden Silver Plate Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Victorian Figural Silver-Plated Bird & Leaf Napkin Ring by Meriden Britannia Co., Circa 1880s This Victorian figural napkin ring is a known model by the Meriden Britannia Company, p...

Category

Late 19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Metal

Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray
Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray

Monogram Gorham Silver Plated Tea Tray

Sold

H 1 in W 16.5 in D 26 in

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

Circa 1880s Set of Fish Knives & Forks for 6, English
Circa 1880s Set of Fish Knives & Forks for 6, English

Circa 1880s Set of Fish Knives & Forks for 6, English

By William Hutton & Sons

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

A circa 1880s set of fish knives & forks for 6, English. Silverplate made by William Hutton & Sons, Sheffield. Aesthetic taste. Fine condition. Knife: 9.5" x 7/8" blade, Fork: 7 7/8"...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Rogers Aesthetic Silver Plated Tilting Teapot & Stand with Birds C1870
Antique Rogers Aesthetic Silver Plated Tilting Teapot & Stand with Birds C1870

Antique Rogers Aesthetic Silver Plated Tilting Teapot & Stand with Birds C1870

By 1847 Rogers Bros.

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Aesthetic teapot by Rogers offers silver plate construction with tilting teapot having embossed bird and foliate design, seated on heating ...

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Mid-19th Century American Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

English Sheffield Ashberry Stag Horn & Stainless Steak Knives, Boxed Set of Six
English Sheffield Ashberry Stag Horn & Stainless Steak Knives, Boxed Set of Six

English Sheffield Ashberry Stag Horn & Stainless Steak Knives, Boxed Set of Six

By Philip Ashberry

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A set of six, natural stag horn handled steak knives with silver mounted end caps, Phillip Ashberry & Son, Sheffield, England, circa 1900. The set is i...

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Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Stainless Steel

English Sheffield Ashberry Stag Horn & Stainless Steel Forks, Boxed Set of Six
English Sheffield Ashberry Stag Horn & Stainless Steel Forks, Boxed Set of Six

English Sheffield Ashberry Stag Horn & Stainless Steel Forks, Boxed Set of Six

By Philip Ashberry

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A set of six, natural stag horn handled forks with silver mounted end caps, Phillip Ashberry & Son, Sheffield, England, circa 1900. The set is in the original fitted presentation ...

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Early 20th Century English Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique Aesthetic Movement Hammered Silver Plate Tea Set by Rogers, 1870
Antique Aesthetic Movement Hammered Silver Plate Tea Set by Rogers, 1870

Antique Aesthetic Movement Hammered Silver Plate Tea Set by Rogers, 1870

By Wm. Rogers Mfg. Co.

Located in Big Flats, NY

An antique Aesthetic Movement tea set by Rogers offers six pieces of hammered quadruple silver plate elements having embossed garden scenes including birds and butterflies, maker sig...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Aesthetic Movement Sheffield Silver & Glazed Earthenware Dogwood Cutlery, Set/16
Aesthetic Movement Sheffield Silver & Glazed Earthenware Dogwood Cutlery, Set/16

Aesthetic Movement Sheffield Silver & Glazed Earthenware Dogwood Cutlery, Set/16

By Sheffield

Located in Philadelphia, PA

From Jehoiada Alsop Rhodes & Barber, a unique service for eight, sixteen forks and knives with glazed earthenware handles – Sheffield, England, circa 1878 – 1886. The partnership ...

Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Stunning Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plated Claret Jug by Elkington in 1866
Stunning Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plated Claret Jug by Elkington in 1866

Stunning Aesthetic Period Antique Silver Plated Claret Jug by Elkington in 1866

By Elkington & Co.

Located in London, London

Carrying old plate marks for 1866 by Elkington & Co., this exceptional Victorian, antique silver plate claret jugantique silver plate claret jug, features...

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1860s English Antique Aesthetic Movement Sheffield and Silverplate

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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.