c. 1880
Designed by Christopher Dresser (English, born Scotland, 1834-1904) Made by James Dixon & Sons Ltd. (Sheffield, England, 1835-1976)
Sheffield
The use of sinuous coils differentiates this toast rack from Christopher Dresser’s more angular silver designs. In an era increasingly dominated by cheaply produced, low-quality goods, designers began considering how to improve both the design of objects and the conditions of the workers who made them. As a proponent for English design reform, Dresser sought to make high-quality goods in a variety of styles to appeal to a wide range of customers. This softer model may have enticed consumers who were not quite ready for the pointed starkness in some of Dresser’s more radical designs.
Silver