Cinders in the Dripping Pan – Cooking in the Georgian Kitchen

Discover the fascinating world of Georgian culinary history with ‘Cinders in the Dripping Pan: Cooking in the Georgian Kitchen’, a captivating lecture by Peter Ross presented by The Arts Society SW London at The Community Church, Werter Road, Putney on Monday, 8 December 2025 at 8 pm.

This engaging presentation explores the trials and tribulations of cooking in a bygone age, when kitchens were equipped with immense coal-fired ranges that demanded multitudes of tasks without the convenience of electricity or gas, and certainly no mechanical aids. Peter Ross brings the Georgian kitchen vividly to life, revealing how cooks of the era used an extraordinary array of tools, moulds, boards and pots to prepare elaborate meals and create remarkably diverse menus.

As the festive season approaches, this timely lecture considers how Georgian kitchens managed to produce complete meals from a single heat source. Attendees will discover the ingenious methods used to roast meat on spits, bake bread in brick ovens, and prepare multiple dishes simultaneously using the heat zones of massive kitchen ranges. The presentation examines authentic Georgian cooking techniques, from the art of spit-roasting to the preparation of puddings in cloth bags suspended over boiling water.

Peter Ross brings exceptional qualifications to this subject, combining a History of Art degree and an MA in London history with a PhD in the cultural history of an English Criminal. Until recently, he served as Principal Librarian at Guildhall Library, where he specialized in the social and cultural history of London. His expertise extends beyond academia – as a qualified teacher with experience in both TV and radio, Ross has appeared on numerous programs for the British Library. His current book project, ‘Eating Georgian London’, is being published by Peter’s Cookbook, demonstrating his deep commitment to understanding and sharing the culinary heritage of the Georgian era.

The lecture explores not just the practical aspects of Georgian cooking but also the social and cultural context of food preparation. Learn about the hierarchy of kitchen staff, from the head cook who orchestrated complex meals to the scullery maids who maintained the fires and cleaned the endless array of copper pots and iron implements. Discover how seasonal availability shaped menus, how preservation techniques allowed for year-round variety, and how the growing British Empire influenced ingredients and recipes.

Ross’s presentation will illuminate the stark contrasts between Georgian and modern cooking, highlighting both the ingenuity required to overcome limitations and the surprising sophistication achieved despite them. From understanding how ice houses provided refrigeration to learning about the elaborate table settings and service styles of Georgian dining, this lecture offers comprehensive insights into a pivotal period in British culinary history.

The event takes place at The Community Church on Werter Road, conveniently located in the heart of Putney (SW15 2LL). The venue opens to non-members at 7:45 pm, following the Members’ Christmas Party, with the lecture commencing at 8 pm. This timing allows non-members to arrive and settle before the presentation begins.

Admission is free for members of The Arts Society SW London, while non-members can attend for a modest fee of £10 at the door. For those unable to attend in person, an online viewing option is available for just £5, allowing remote participation in this educational experience. More information about the society and its program of events can be found at www.theartssocietyswlondon.org.uk or by scanning the QR code provided on promotional materials.

This lecture promises to be both educational and entertaining, offering a perfect blend of historical scholarship and practical insights into Georgian life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary aficionado, or simply curious about how our ancestors lived and ate, this presentation provides a unique window into the kitchens and dining rooms of Georgian England.