The booth of Solomon Suchard.

American Silver Bird-Decorated Spoons at Winterthur

WINTERTHUR, DEL. – For almost six decades in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries, bird-decorated spoons were all the rage in America. Through April 20, 2001, a new exhibition at Winterthur showcases numerous objects from that period: “: American Silver Bird-Decorated Spoons” examines how spoons – often overlooked as stylish because they are such everyday objects – can offer insight that adds to understanding and appreciation of the past.

While popular in England from about 1750 to 1780, such spoons continued to be made in America until the early 1830s.

Initially, the birds used on American spoons imitated the images used by the English, usually from biblical and classical sources. Following the Revolution and the many political, economic and social changes that took place, the bald eagle became the symbol of the new nation and the most popular images on spoons.

Many of the bird images were only for decorative purposes, but some also carried moralistic or instructive meaning. Birds images were also found in other areas of society, including newspaper mastheads, trade signs and trade cards, and even bookplates and jewelry clasps.

Among the popular images, the dove with the olive branch symbolized hope, renewal and regeneration. A pelican plucking her breast to feed her starving offspring with her blood represented tender and selfless care of one’s flock in the Christian tradition. A songbird freed from its cage singing “I love liberty” communicated the movement toward free expression and participation in government by the governed. This evolved into America’s government “by the people, for the people” symbolized by the eagle, with its wings outspread and shield-emblazoned body clutching the symbols of both war and peace in its talons.

“” also explores how these spoons were made and decorated, and includes the only three known surviving dies that were used to transfer images onto spoons.

The exhibition draws from the Ineson-Bissell Collection of about 8,000 pieces of American silver flatware dating between 1650 and 1900, as well as the Tousey collection of 3,800 pieces of silver, both at Winterthur. In addition, some private pieces are on display. An accompanying catalogue by Donald L. Fennimore, curator of the exhibition sells is available.

Winterthur is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, and noon to 5 pm Sunday, and is on Route 52. For information, 800/448-3883, 302/888-4600 or TTY: 302/888-4907.