The Wisdom of Butlers Past

by Steven Ferry

PART 30: PLATE AND CHINA

Extracted from the 1823 book, The Footman’s Directory and Butler’s Remembrancer, re-published in hardback by Pryor Publications:

As the person in charge of the plate and china, the butler should be at pains to ensure nobody enters the Butler’s Pantry without his permission, mainly to prevent the plates from ending up in the kitchen, broken. He also should insist that the principals allow sufficient utensils to be purchased for the kitchen and “parlour,” and not skimp on these.

In order to maintain inventory, it is advised that butlers not place any china in the window opening onto a public street, as these are oftentimes stolen by passers-by (!) The servants, apparently, liked to show off the china with which their employers had entrusted them.

Lastly, in the same vein, butlers should always keep the china under lock and key.

You may obtain your discounted copy (with free s&h) by emailing the publisher: Mr. Pryor (alan AT pryor-publications.co.uk).

The Institute is dedicated to raising service standards by broadly disseminating the mindset and superior service expertise of that time-honored, quintessential service provider, the British Butler, updated with modern people skills, and adapted to the needs of modern employers and guests in staffed homes, luxury hotels, resorts, spas, retirement communities, jets, yachts & cruise ships around the world.