Boulton & Fothergill, c1765
2003.0007.15 – 18

Chatelaines were decorative clasps worn on women’s belts from which were hung useful items like scissors, thimbles, keys, etc. They were among the various kinds of inexpensive metal items that made up Boulton’s successful ‘toy’ business. The profits from the toy business helped to finance the production of Boulton’s finer wares in Sheffield plate, silver and ormolu.

Unlike silver and Sheffield plate, few of the toys produced at Soho carried any identifying marks so it is often difficult to attribute them to Boulton with absolute certainty. However, these particular chatelaines were acquired from the Watt family in 2003, and were almost certainly made at the Soho Manufactory. They are thought to have been taken as samples by James Watt himself when he first visited Soho in May 1768, as they are still sewn on to their original card, with tissue and blue paper wrapping.

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