English Breadboard ‘Manners Maketh Man’

Victorian

Circa 1860–1900 | England

An exceptional antique Victorian carved wooden breadboard or “bread-platter” as it was known in Victorian times. This antique breadboard retains its deep carving throughout. The top border contains the motto in gothic script “Manners Maketh Man”, a mid-fourteenth century motto of William of Wykeham (1324–1404), bishop of Winchester and chancellor of England.

The symmetrical half bottom border is of intricately carved wheatsheaves. It has a lovely deep carving and patina, particularly evident through the expertly carved little dots in the background of the border made to darken the wood and increase the legibility of the motto. 

DIMENSIONS: Diameter 27 cm.

SIGNATURES, MARKINGS & INSCRIPTIONS: In Victorian England there were hundreds of wood carvers listed in trade directories. Some of the popular breadboard makers included William Gibbs Rogers, George Wing son of William Wing, and Frederick William (F.W.) Dover (see The Gen) amongst others.

CONDITION: In excellent condition, with wear commensurate with antique age and use of such a piece. The breadboard has a lovely patina evident through the untouched colour and wear, very light knife marks, almost looks unused, and lovely golden warm colour with some scuffing. 

REFERENCES: For antique breadboards carved with similar motifs see Vintage Breadboards, Madeleine Neave, Prospect Books, 2019, pp 206–208.

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THE GEN

Frederick William (F.W.) Dover (1834–1917), started making breadboards in 1860 in Sheffield. “The platters which constitute the bulk of Mr. Dover’s productions are elaborately carved with fruits, flowers, leaves, wheat, barley, oats, and other artistic representations of beautiful natural objects; and in such articles of luxury as much as ten guineas may be profitably invested. Others, again, are carved, at prices varying from fourpence each; but those sold from 2s. 6d. to 6s. are mostly in demand, so as to be suitable for wedding presents, etc. The firm has in its possession over nine hundred patterns for platters suitable for bread, cheese, etc. To this long list of designs novelties are constantly being added. The excellence of the workmanship of the commodities produced in Mr. Dover’s factory is now so generally recognised that they have become regular articles of commerce all over the world. They are especially well known throughout the trade in the United Kingdom, in the principal cities and towns of which the commercial connections of the firm are being rapidly extended through the periodical visits of Mr. Dover’s representatives. A very large proportion of his productions is, however, exported direct from the Sycamore Tree Works to Australia, to America, and to the continent of Europe.” (The Century’s Progress–Yorkshire Industry and Commerce 1893, Arthur Raistrick, ‎Brenton Publishing, 1971)

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