During the American Gilded Age, which offered unprecedented access to consumer goods, what one owned or had the ability to buy became an important way to assert one’s identity.
The American Gilded Age (1870–1900) was a time of rapid modernization and great expansion of the country’s middle class. Though there was also vast income disparity, most Americans experienced an increase in overall quality of life.
Mass manufacturing permitted most people to buy a wealth of new goods, and the growth of trade and travel meant that Americans had new access to, and interest in, goods from around the world. Suddenly, even the middle class could emulate the wealthy, and identity was bound more than ever to what one owned.
From fish forks and fashionable dress, to furniture and fine china, this exhibition explores the seemingly superficial personal and household objects consumed during this era and how they were visible and powerful symbols of wealth, power, and social class. They speak not only to the great change changes occurring in America at the time, but to our continuing preoccupation today with the objects we choose to buy, wear, and display.
Sponsors
Melissa Caldwell-Weddig and Kyle Schellinger of Clarence Brown Theatre
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- Photograph of Viola F. Snyder and Ellen McClung, December 12, 1890, Photographer unknown, Carte de visite, Bequest of Judge John Webb Green and Ellen McClung Green, 1957.3.628.1.
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- “Luxembourg” Oyster Fork, c. 1893–1900, Gorham Company, Providence, RI, Sterling silver, Bequest of Judge John Webb Green and Ellen McClung Green, 1957.3.482.1-24.
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- Calling Card Case, c. 1890, Nathaniel Mills, Birmingham, England Sterling silver, Bequest of Judge John Webb Green and Ellen McClung Green, 1957.3.57.
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- Prometheus Bound and the Oceanids, c. 1880–1900, Creator unknown, German, Copy after 1879 marble sculpture by Eduard Müller (German, 1828–1895), Ivory, Bequest of Frederick T. Bonham, 1958.5.112.
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- Women’s Three-piece Afternoon Dress, c. 1880s, American, Creator unknown, Cotton, velvet, silk satin, silk, Gift of G.P. Gaut, 1947.8.37.
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- Fish Fork and Knife, 19th century, Russian, maker unknown, Sterling silver and ivory, Lent by Jeff Chapman.
Curated by Cat Shteynberg, Assistant Director/Curator. Support provided by Home Federal Bank, The Henley and Peggy Tate Museum Fund, and Clarence Brown Theatre.
Many thanks for additional assistance provided by Melissa Caldwell-Weddig and Kyle Schellinger of Clarence Brown Theatre.