Fine Dining in the Regency Period: The Art of Rundell & Bridge 1797 - 1830 Virtually all of the pieces commissioned by the Prince Regent are still in the Royal Collection, a tribute to him as one of the greatest of art patrons and a remarkable connoisseur. The exhibition presents a vivid picture of the peri- od, characterised by its ‘fast set’ of courtiers who surrounded this extravagant monarch, their taste in silver mirroring their lust for life, excess and luxury. They included Lady Conyngham, George IV’s mistress, noted for her extravagance. Her breakfast tea set is included, as is a cartoon of her at Rundell’s offering a promissory note of £60,000. During the period of Rundell’s dominance there were great changes in the way people sat down to eat. French cuisine had always been highly-prized in England, and the defeat of France at Waterloo in 1815 saw many of the most famous chefs, notably Carême and Ude, cross the Channel to work for English patrons such as the Prince Regent, the Duke of York and others. The way food was served also changed, with the old method of service à la française, in which all the dishes of a course were laid on the table and guests helped them- selves or had servants to help them, replaced with service à la russe, a practice still followed today, in which waiters walk around the table offering dishes to each diner. As a result of this, it was the tableware rather than the food itself which became the decora- tion. The custom of clearing the first course, usually served with “white” silver, and remov- ing the white table cloth to reveal the dark pol- ished mahogany of the dining table, meant that the dessert course could be served with a fresh array of silverware plated with gold, the mag- nificence of which was unparalleled. Rundell’s helped to furnish this new taste with 1 remarkable objects created by leading design- ers employed by the firm. The resulting luxu- An Important Exhibition of Regency Silver to orations and jewellery made by the Royal ry goods were made in workshops employing Benefit the Prince’s Trust with Loans from Goldsmiths who served George III and his son hundreds of the best artists and designers major Museums and Private Collections. the Prince Regent (later George IV). Founded ensuring a consistently superb quality and a by Philip Rundell and John Bridge in the cohesion to the design that was revolutionary The exquisite pieces of Regency silver includ- 1770s, the firm Rundell & Bridge was in silver production. The firm had been started ed in this exhibition will tell the story of fine appointed Royal Goldsmiths, Silversmiths, by Philip Rundell and John Bridge. They were dining in the period, illustrate the superb taste Jewellers and Medallists in 1797 and contin- known as “oil and vinegar” – Rundell was and the fascinating lifestyle enjoyed by the ued to hold the Royal Warrant until 1830. irascible and a hard task master who ruled the Prince Regent, and describe the history of the The Regency period coincided with unparal- workshops with an iron fist, while Bridge was remarkable silver makers whose work domi- leled prosperity in Britain and, led by the urbane and charming. Indeed, it was said that nated the market for thirty years. With loans colourful Prince Regent, patrons made dis- the firm owed its Royal patronage to Bridge’s from important museums, including the cerning commissions of the finest silver and friendship with George III. Victoria and Albert, and private collections in silver-gilt. Rundell’s was well placed to lead Christopher Hartop, the curator of the exhibi- the United Kingdom, America and Australia, this new taste. Directing their workshops first tion, said: “This exhibition will present a fas- the exhibition will be held at Koopman/Rare were the accomplished silversmiths Benjamin cinating picture of the period through the sil- Art, the silver dealers on London’s Chancery Smith and Digby Scott and, after 1807, Paul ver and jewels made in the workshops of this Lane, from 14th June to 1st July 2005. Storr, acclaimed as the greatest English silver- great firm. It was a successful union of art and Situated above London’s famous Silver Vaults smith of the period. Storr produced some of industry, combining taste, the latest technolo- entry to the exhibition is free, and all catalogue the most dazzling and intricately designed gy and designs with the invaluable patronage sales will benefit The Prince’s Trust. pieces for the Prince Regent and aristocracy, of the Royal family. Rundell and Bridge creat- The exhibition will include approximately many of which will be on display to the public ed a brand name which would be the envy of sixty pieces of silver, ormolu, snuffboxes, dec- in this exhibition. many of today’s luxury goods companies.” ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 05 Further Information. Entry to the exhibition is free. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Address: Koopman Rare Art 35 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1QS. Contact Information: www.rareartlondon.com 0207 2427624 Associated Literature: Royal Goldsmiths: The Art of Rundell & Bridge 1797-1830, by Christopher Hartop with essays by Philippa Glanville (former curator of the National Silver Collection), Charles Truman (former curator, V&A and author of The Gilbert Collection of Gold Boxes), David Watkin (Professor of the History of Architecture, Cambridge University), Diana Scarisbrick (author of Ancestral Jewels, 1989) and Matthew Winterbottom (Royal Collection). All net proceeds from the book will go to the youth charity, The Prince’s Trust. Catalogue: Published by John Adamson Publishing, price £19.95 (ISBN: 0952432234). The Prince’s Trust: 3 The Prince’s Trust offers practical support to help young people get their lives working par- 1. One of a pair of silver-gilt cups and covers by Richard ticularly those who are facing barriers in their Just Published! Cooke, 1803. lives: those who have struggled at school, have ‘Silver & Jewellery Prices 2. A magnificent sword decorated with exquisite enamelling, been in care, are long-term unemployed or at UK Auctions’ acanthus leaves, wreaths and sprays of laurel and oak, by have been in trouble with the law. Since the 3365 colour images and prices James Morisset for Rundell and Bridge, presented to charity was founded by HRH The Prince of of lots sold at recent auctions. Major General Eyre Coote from the Officers of the Irish Wales in 1976, it has helped over half a million Only £22.45 (UK, inc p&p). Dragoons in 1797. young people across the UK. Call 01843 862069 3. Silver-gilt charger. Further information about The Prince’s Trust or see page 8 4. Four silver-gilt salt cellars, Paul Storr, 1801. is available at www.princes-trust.org.uk or on to order your copy now! 0800 842842. 2 4 ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 05 Two of four Paul Storr wine coolers. 00 ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 05.