Female Silversmith's Rare Salver on Display

A rare Georgian salver, created in the workshop of Dorothy Mills, a seldom-recognized female silversmith from the 18th century, has been unveiled for public viewing in Warwickshire. Historical research confirms Mills as one of the few women to officially register as a silversmith during that era. Her work is believed to be unique within publicly accessible UK collections.

Mills' career began after her husband's death when she courageously took over his business, registering her own mark at Goldsmiths' Hall in 1752. She successfully managed the workshop for two years, a bold assertion of independence in a male-dominated world, before a legal challenge forced its closure. This brief but significant period represents a rare instance of female autonomy in Georgian London's artisan trades.

The salver itself bears the engraved arms of Thomas Ferrers and his wife, Margaret Kempson, whose family owned Baddesley Clinton for centuries. In the 18th century, such silver pieces were not merely functional but served as pronounced statements of taste, wealth, and social standing. This particular salver represented a considerable investment, costing approximately £12, equivalent to two years' wages for a housemaid, underscoring its value as a symbol of refinement and success for its owners.