Exceptional Pair of Victorian Silverplate Centerpieces by Thomas Bradbury & Sons Sheffield (1853–1897) - 11"

This rare and masterfully crafted pair of Victorian silverplate centerpieces by the esteemed Thomas Bradbury & Sons captures the grandeur and technical brilliance of late 19th-century English silversmithing. Each piece features an intricately sculpted base adorned with lifelike animal figures: one with a resting goat and proud ram, the other with a pheasant and hound, framed by lavish grapevines and foliage. The animals are rendered with remarkable anatomical accuracy and expressiveness, showcasing the silversmith’s deep understanding of form and movement. Rising from the naturalistic bases, the cast foliage supports flared, frosted glass dishes with scalloped rims, harmonizing delicately with the ornate silverwork below.

Thomas Bradbury & Sons, active in Sheffield during the height of Britain’s silverplate industry, were renowned for their high-quality repoussé and cast silver designs. Their work frequently graced royal tables and exhibitions, often reflecting themes from the natural world with a distinctive Romantic flair. The attention to detail in this pair, from the feathered plumage of the pheasant to the textured coats of the farm animals, is a testament to the silversmiths’ technical mastery. Each sculptural element was cast separately using intricate molds and then assembled by hand, allowing for remarkable dimensionality and realism. This labor-intensive process highlights the exceptional skill of the silversmiths and the artistic ambition behind such grand decorative pieces.

These centerpieces are ideal statement pieces for a grand dining table or sideboard. Their impressive scale and narrative detail invite admiration, while offering practical use for fruit, florals, or holiday arrangements. Styled with fresh greenery, candles, or seasonal décor, they can become the poetic focal point of any formal setting, adding depth and historic charm to refined interiors.