From Britarch -

Naomi Nathan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:51:24 +0000
From: Naomi Nathan
Subject: The Table Conference: The material culture and social context of dining in the historical periods
To: [log in to unmask]

The Table - The Second Course

The material culture and social context of dining in the historical periods

Department of Archaeology
University of Sheffield, UK
23rd– 25th April 2004


‘The Table’ (Part Two) Conference will move on in time to consider the
changes that occurred in dining habits in Britain and the colonial world
between the seventeenth century and the end of the nineteenth century. In
this period late-medieval and Renaissance social habits were transformed,
as manufacturing techniques improved, and the output of mass-produced items
increased, fuelling the growth of the first modern consumer society.

A major theme at this Conference will be the responses made by
manufacturers to the social changes in eating, dining and food preparation
which took place, not only in the home, but in public places such as
hotels, ships and railways. The period saw the widespread acceptance of the
fork used in dining, and an increase in peoples’ material wealth, with the
growth of the middle class and demand for more luxurious items at the
table.

Documentary evidence shows both continuity and changes in eating habits in
Britain and the colonies. The stylistic changes in objects for the table
can be traced from 17th century probate records, through to manufacturers’
trade catalogues, which detail the diverse range of items, the stylistic
changes, and the materials used. The increasing range of public eating
from lowly eating-houses to the cruise ships, railway dining cars and
hotels development – had an effect on the products offered by
manufacturers.

The full programme and registration form are available at:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/academic/A-C/ap/conf/dining/index.html

If you have any queries, please contact me on 0114 222 2924, or by email on
[log in to unmask]

Naomi Nathan


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