Crumb trays (or plates) originated in Europe as a specialty tool of those
serving meals to royalty and the aristocracy.  Simply stated:  after each
course in the meal, servants would approach the table, diners would recline
back in their chairs, and the servants would sweep all crumbs and dining
detriment into the tray using a brush--not unlike a shaving cream brush.
The handle of the brush was normally ornamented in the same material as the
tray.

You can still see crumb trays on some of the more detailed historic house
tours in Europe--especially in Britain and France.

In the U.S., crumb trays came into their own during the high Victorian
era--for they mark two major Victorian themes in material
culture--specialization objects and explicit expression of power
relationships within objects or group of objects.  Victorian dining had
structure and ritual.  To behave in a genteel manner = to behave and emulate
the lifestyle of the aristocracy.  No proper Victorian meal would be served
without having the crumbs swept away--thus the importance, function and role
of the crumb tray.

Many hotels--trying to show-off their style and service adopted the use of
crumb trays.  There was also an economic factor here--if waitstaff
diligently used the crumb trays--sometimes linens would not have to be
changed after each use.  Even in Victorian times, turnover and profit margin
drove the service industry. The crumb trays used in hotels were not
necessarily of as high quality or style as one would have in their own home.

For a wonderful overview of Victorian dining rituals and use of objects, I
recommend "Death in the Dining Room & Other Tales of Victorian Culture" by
Ken Ames.  Crumb trays are not specifically mentioned in the work--but Ames
gives some incredible insights to use of material culture.

Good luck in working with these new acquisitions!

Brian Buff

>From: Jean Burks <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Can anyone help with Crumb Trays
>Date: Mon, 10 May 2004 15:55:29 -0700
>
>We have acquired a wonderful group of base metal and plated crumb trays
>(art nouveau-art deco in style) that were collected in Europe. We have
>been trying to research the origin of the form with no success with
>written literature, on-line searches, auction houses/dealers, or
>collectors' groups. We have found late 19th century American
>catalogues which list crumb trays produced by the dozens for hotel use
>but no information prior to this.
>
>Can anyone help us document the history of crumb trays, approximate
>date/place of origin (European or American) and original usage (upper or
>middle class homes)?
>
>If you have any information or can direct us to knowledgeable sources
>we would be most appreciative if you could contact me off-line.
>
>Many thanks
>Jean Burks
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>
>Jean Burks
>
>=========================================================
>Important Subscriber Information:
>
>The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
>http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
>information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
>message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
>read "help" (without the quotes).
>
>If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
>[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
>Museum-L" (without the quotes).

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).