West Country Silver Spoons and Their Makers 1550-1750

West Country Silver Spoons and Their Makers 1550–1750 by Timothy Kent is a meticulously researched and richly illustrated hardcover book first published in 1992 by J.H. Bourdon-Smith Ltd. It spans 180 pages and focuses on the silversmithing traditions specific to England’s West Country during the early modern period. Timothy Kent, a respected historian and specialist in antique silver, offers not just a catalogue of spoon styles, but an in-depth exploration of the people, places, and practices behind their creation.

The book opens with an examination of the economic and social backdrop of the West Country from the mid-16th to the mid-18th century, providing vital context for understanding how silver spoon production developed in cities like Exeter, Taunton, and Barnstaple. Kent carefully outlines the various regional and town-specific marks, helping collectors and historians authenticate and date pieces.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the biographies of individual spoonmakers—craftsmen who often worked in small workshops, passed down through generations. These profiles, drawn from original records, guild documents, and assay office archives, humanize the makers and shed light on their methods and markets.

In addition to biographies, the book features beautifully photographed examples of spoons with unique West Country characteristics: baluster and Puritan knops, shaded roundel trefids, and other decorative forms unique to the region. Kent also details the construction techniques used and the standards imposed by Goldsmiths’ Hall inspections, providing insight into the rigorous regulation of silver quality during this time.

This is not merely a collector’s guide but a valuable scholarly resource for anyone interested in early English silver. It stands as a definitive reference on the subject, combining stylistic analysis with social history to offer a comprehensive view of a specialized and often overlooked area of decorative arts.