With Thomas Boulsover's invention of Sheffield plate in 1742, a whole new industry was born. The revolutionary technique of fusion plating allowed a wide range of articles made in silver to be imitated more cheaply by using sheets of copper that had already been plated with silver. The extraordinary expansion of the industry throughout the second half of the eighteenth century was a triumph of ingenuity, craftsmanship, excellence of design and marketing. Most importantly, Sheffield plate enjoyed the universal patronage of the aristocracy, much to the chagrin of London silversmiths. This book covers all those aspects of the trade, is profusely illustrated with examples and provides an account of the opening of the Sheffield and Birmingham assay offices. Sheffield plate, which has contributed so magnificantly to England's heritage of eighteenth century applied art, deserves the properly researched account of its early history, which this book provides. AUTHOR: Gordon Crosskey moved to Sheffiled during the 1970s, and having enjoyed seeing the famous Bradbury collection, then housed in the Weston Park Museum, he developed a serious interest in Sheffield plate and its history. This indeed grew into a passion. He has made a thorough study of the extensive archival material relating to the eighteenth century plated trade, now available principally in Sheffield, Birmingham and London. Parts of his own collection are on permanent view at the Millennium Galleries in Sheffield and Soho House in Birmingham. He is Principal Lecturer and Fellow of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, and a member of the Silver Society. ILLUSTRATIONS: 466 colour c129 b/w photographs
