Boulton & Fothergill, c1771
1997M32

As well as being very attractive decorative ornaments, these neo-classical ormolu (gilt brass) perfume burners also performed the practical function of dispelling food smells following meals.

Mrs Montagu, a leader of fashion in the eighteenth century, lent Boulton her perfume burners or cassolettes from which he designed this example. After a time she urged for their return by explaining:

‘my friends reproach me that I do not regale their noses with fine odours after entertaining their palates with soup and ragouts. The cassolettes used to make their entry with dessert and chase away the smell of dinner’.

The winged female figures, tripod base and other neo-classical decorative features appear on a number of other pieces by Boulton in both Sheffield plate, silver and ormolu.

Acquired with the support of the Art Fund, MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, Friends of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery and Birmingham City Council