I am delighted to add another sterling silver piece by Christopher Dresser to the Collection. To my mind he is without doubt the father of both modern and commercial design.  Pieces that are unequivocally designed by Dresser and of the period in sterling silver are rare.

This piece is fully hallmarked to all parts for Walker and Hall, London, 1893.

Dresser did the original design for this piece for Hukin and Heath in 1879/1880, model number 2372 and it is possible Walker and Hall then acquired the rights to the design a decade or so later, or wholesaled pieces on behalf of Hukin and Heath.

This sugar bowl, with fitted sugar spoon, is Dresser’s modernist  take on a coal scuttle with shovel.  Sterling silver versions of this model are rare.

For an identical design, with aesthetic engraving, see Harry Lyons “Christopher Dresser, The People’s Designer” page 201. Page 196 of the same book shows the original extract from Hukin & Heath’s costings book, listing this design 2372, as being by Dresser.

Condition is excellent.

Price range: £2,450

Maker: Hukin & Heath/Walker & Hall

Designer: Christopher Dresser

Date : 1893

Marks: Walker & Hall, Sheffield, “a” date letter

Material: Sterling silver

Condition: Excellent.

Size: 15.5cm wide, 11.0 cm high. Shovel 15.5 cm long.

Weight : 12.7 oz, 359 grams (including wooden handles)