How do I hang a heavy charger?

Heavy ceramic, brass, and copper pieces require specialised wall fixings and adjustable wire display hangers that securely grip the rim without putting stress on the body. Ensure the hanging wire or wall hook is rated for the specific weight of the charger, particularly for large nineteenth-century metalwork or thick earthenware plaques.

Were these plates used for dining?

Most chargers and large display plaques were created specifically for visual presentation on walls, dressers, or cabinets. Their substantial scale and delicate painted or inlaid surfaces made them impractical for everyday meals. While some earthenware and porcelain forms share roots with table service, the grander examples on this page served entirely decorative functions in historic interiors.

How do I clean metal and ceramic chargers?

Ceramic and porcelain pieces benefit from gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth to protect fragile glazes and historical enamel work. Avoid submerging antique earthenware in water, as old glazes can craze. Metal chargers in copper or brass should be kept dry and free of abrasive cleaning compounds, preserving the natural patination built up over centuries.