ABSTRACT
In 1846, Emil Braun introduced himself to George Elkington, asking about the galvano-plastic process and requesting a machine and an experienced workman to operate it. Braun also published an article titled ‘Sideboard Plates’ in the Art Journal, pointing out that the role of metal plate on display in a dining room was more than just a show of wealth but was also an indicator of the owner’s knowledge and appreciation of art. Every attempt to acquire a clear understanding of what is meant by style, in reference to Art-manufactures, would be vain and useless without the help afforded by a comparative glance at the history of Art. August or Auguste Emil Braun was a German archaeologist, who in the autumn of 1833 went to Rome, where he became Secretary to the German Archaeological Institute. In response, Elkington asked Braun to become a designer for the company and to provide source material for their electrotypes.
