Objects in 3D The Metalwork Collection at Museums Sheffield The collection is made up of around 13,000 items, including what is probably the most comprehensive grouping of Sheffield–made cutlery, flatware and holloware in existence. It represents the light metals trades of Sheffield’s long manufacturing and craft history. The Metalwork Gallery celebrates Sheffield’s international reputation as a world leader in the production of domestic and decorative metalwork and silverware. In fact, the metalwork is recognised as a nationally designated collection, being of international importance. Glossary Materials Britannia Metal – A type , widely used in the C19th. Britannia Metal products sold for around a thirtieth of the cost of equivalent silverware. Britannia – Fine quality silver which is made 95.8% of silver, in comparison to Stirling silver which is 92.5% silver Electro-plated Nickel Silver (EPNS) – An alloy of with nickel and often zinc. It is named for its silvery appearance, but does not contain silver. EPNS pieces are silver-plated. They sold for around a third or less than the cost of equivalent silverware. Ivory – Material sourced from the teeth or tusks of animals, particularly Asian and African elephants Mother of pearl – Pearly internal layer of the shells of some molluscs such as oysters and clams. It is very strong, resilient and iridescent. Old Sheffield Plate – A layered combination of silver and copper, which are fused together. Old Sheffield Plate products sold for around a third of the cost of equivalent silverware. Pewter – An alloy of tin mixed with a small proportion of another metal; generally copper, antimony, bismuth or lead. Pewter products sold for around a thirtieth of the cost of equivalent silverware.

1 © Museums Sheffield Stainless steel – A steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium. Stainless steel does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary steel. Processes Electroplating – process in which metal ions in a solution are moved by an electric field to coat a conductive object with a thin layer of metal. A much thinner coating of metal can be applied than was possible in fused plating. Engraving – Creating design on a surface by cutting grooves into it Filigree – A delicate kind of metalwork made by soldering together twisted threads, usually of gold and silver Gilding – Applying gold to a surface to form a thin coating, using electroplating or by hand. A gilded object is described as “gilt ”. Piercing – Creating a decorative pattern or motif by cutting away sections of metal with a piercing saw or stamp Plique-a-jour – A technique in which translucent enamels are applied to a fine framework of soldered metal threads. It is considered very challenging technically and extremely time-consuming. Soldering – Using a fusible metal alloy to join together two metal components. The solder must be melted before it is applied. Tarnishing – Surface layer of corrosion that forms over some metals as their outermost layer undergoes a chemical reaction. Tarnishing commonly occurs as a result of exposure to oxygen, hydrogen sulphide, or sulfur dioxide.

2 © Museums Sheffield Styles in art and design Art Deco – Artistic and design style that began in Paris in the 1920s and flourished internationally over the following two decades. The style is characterised by linear symmetry and lavish ornamentation. Art deco design aspired to embody elegance, glamour, functionality and modernity. Art Nouveau – Style of art, architecture and design most popular during 1890–1905. The name “Art Nouveau” is French for “new art”. The style is characterised by organic, floral and plant–inspired motifs, as well as flowing curvedforms. Art Nouveau is also a philosophy of design, according to which artists should work on everything from architecture to furniture, making art part of ordinary life. General design terms Aspirational good – Product not considered essential, targeting the middle classes or other consumer groups with a disposable income. Also referred to as an “accessible or mass luxury”. Bolster – Piece of metal joining a handle to a blade, adding strength and balance Cutlery – Tool designed primarily for cutting, such as a knife or scissors Ergonomic – Designed to be comfortable to use and an efficient tool Ferrule – Narrow circular ring, often of metal, used to reinforce part of an object Finial – Decorative element, often finishing a protruding part of an object such as a handle or lid of a vessel Flatware – Piece manufactured from a flat sheet of metal, such as a fork, spoon or platter Hallmarked – Precious metals such as gold and silver are tested and marked at an Assay Office. This certifies that there is a large enough proportion of these metals in the alloy for the piece to be traded legally. Holloware – such as bowls, pitchers and teapots that have been shaped to serve as containers Luxury good – Product not considered essential and affordable for a minority of consumers only

3 © Museums Sheffield Maker’s mark – Silver makers have been required by law to stamp their work with a registered maker’s mark since 1363 Minimal – A simple design, focusing on essential features such as shape and form Ornate – Heavily or elaborately decorated Ostentatious – extravagant, showy or overly decorative Scroll – Decorative element which depicts a roll of paper Sustainable – Uses natural resources in a responsible way, ensuring they are maintained for future generations Utilitarian – Designed for use rather than beauty

Note down other new terms here

4 © Museums Sheffield