Object of the Month September 2020

The silver Epergne.

NPS

Thomas Brown photographed in the dining room with the epergne pointed out on the shelf behind him.

NPS

Epergne

An epergne was an elaborate silver stand used as a centerpiece for the dining table, with glass bowls filled with fruits, nuts, and “sweetmeats” (candies and other sweets like sugared fruits) for the dessert course. This Regency style example, made in England 1810-1830, from Hampton’s collection is made of silver plated on copper with cut glass owls. It has been in use in Hampton’s Dining Room since the 19th century. It can be see in a c. 1897 photo of the Dining Room on the sideboard behind head waiter Thomas Brown. It is still regularly on exhibit at Hampton, on either the sideboard or Dining Table, depending on the season.