Regency Old Sheffield Plate Samovar by Matthew Boulton Plate Company
An impressive Regeny period Old Sheffield Plate samovar by the Matthew Boulton Plate Company; in the Neo-classical taste with a large pineapple finial to the lid and a gadrooned rim; having wonderful scrolling carrying handles and raised on bold lion paw feet. The samovar bears a noble crest from the Doyle family with the motto Fortitudine Vincit which translates as 'Strength Conquers'. Bearing the double sun mark of the Matthew Boulton Plate Company.
Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) was one of the most influential figures of the Industrial Revolution and a member of the Lunar Society. The Lunar Society numbered among its members James Watt, Joseph Priestley, Josiah Wedgewood and Erasmus Darwin who were all instrumental in developing Britain's understanding of the sciences and applying this to the arts. At his Soho works near Birmingham Boulton coupled his knowledge as a silversmith with new industrial techniques to create the finest examples of Sheffield Plate.