Butter Knife
In the 1890s the Gorham Manufacturing Company introduced a line of handmade silver with a hammered finish, which was marketed under the name Martelé. Unique among the firm's efforts in Martelé is this flatware service (1987.242.1-12), created by the Prairie School architect George W. Maher (1864–1926) for Rockledge, the summer residence he designed in 1912 for Ernest and Grace King near Winona, Minnesota. A single place setting consists of twelve pieces, each chased with the Kings' monogram, which is intertwined with lily blossoms. Lilies, which grew locally in wild profusion, also ornament other furnishings and architectural elements at Rockledge, as does Maher's trademark flattened arch, which here defines the terminal of each handle.
Artwork Details
- Title: Butter Knife
- Designer: Designed by George Washington Maher (1864–1926)
- Manufacturer: Manufactured by Gorham Manufacturing Company (American, Providence, Rhode Island, 1831–present)
- Date: 1912
- Geography: Made in Providence, Rhode Island, United States
- Culture: American
- Medium: Silver
- Dimensions: L. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
- Credit Line: Friends of the American Wing Fund, 1987
- Object Number: 1987.242.3
- Curatorial Department: The American Wing
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George Washington Maher
Gorham Manufacturing Company
1912
George Washington Maher
Gorham Manufacturing Company
1912
George Washington Maher
Gorham Manufacturing Company
1912
George Washington Maher
Gorham Manufacturing Company
1912
George Washington Maher
Gorham Manufacturing Company
1912
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