Tureen

The tureen is one of four (two round, two oval) made for the fourth Duke of Marlborough in 1769. They were designed by the Duke's architect Sir William Chambers who was making a number of alterations at Blenheim Palace at the time, and were made by the leading firm of Parker and Wakelin at a cost of 10s 9d per oz or £78 each. The firm's ledgers reveal the costs of all the Duke's silver, as well as the costs of the outworkers, Sebastian and James Crespell, who were responsible for the actual making of all the pieces.

The style of the tureen reflects the move back towards a more classical taste, in reaction to the excesses of the rococo style of the mid 18th century. Nevertheless, it is remarkably French in inspiration, with its undulating profile, swirling lobes and artichoke finial, and recalls the work of the Parisian goldsmith Robert-Joseph Auguste with whom Sir William Chambers was undoubtedly acquainted.

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