The Silver Antiques Insider

Revisiting "Silversmiths to the Nation"

The first weekend of the New Year will be a special one for silver enthusiasts here in the Big Apple. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art a variety of educational programs have been organized in conjunction with their current exhibit: "Silversmiths to the Nation: Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner, 1808-1842".

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The How, What, and Why of Early–19th–Century American Silver

Saturday, January 5, 2008 10:00am to 1:00pm
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY

This half-day workshop will be hosted in turn by Stephen Smithers, Beth Carver Wees (Associate Curator, American Decorative Arts, MMA), and Alice W. Schwarz. They will add extra dimension to the fine silver artifacts on display by answering the following questions: How were they made? What purpose did they serve? Why were they created?

“Participants will converse with a silversmith as he tools; tour the exhibition with its curator; and immerse themselves in gallery and classroom activities with a Museum educator.” (www.metmuseum.org)

To apply for the workshop please call 212-570-3985 or send an email to teachers@metmuseum.org. Enrollment is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s a $40.00 registration fee to cover the cost of instruction and materials. No meals are provided.

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A number of Family Programs have also been planned for that weekend. The “Look Again!” series encourages participants, by way of conversation, sketching, and the odd performance, to examine works of art more closely, while “How Did They Do That?” is a 30-minute hands-on session that introduces kids (and adults!) to the nuts and bolts of fine art and the creation process. These programs are included free with the regular museum admission.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Look Again! Shining Bright
11:00am to 12:30pm
Uris Center for Education, Ground Floor

How Did They Do That? American Silversmithing
1:00pm to 4:00 pm
Luce Center, The American Wing

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Look Again! Metally Alert
11:00am to 12:30pm
Uris Center for Education, Ground Floor

How Did They Do That? American Silversmithing
1:00pm to 4:00 pm
Luce Center, The American Wing

Wine, Worship, and Sacrifice: The Golden Graves of Ancient Vani | Treasures From Georgia

December 1, 2007 – February 24, 2008
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery (Smithsonian) in Washington, DC

Are relatives from out of town causing you problems?

Send them to the Smithsonian!

Currently on display in the Smithsonian’s Arthur M. Sackler Gallery they’ll find treasures from the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, where Persian and Greek cultures collided with a torrent of wine to produce a plethora of rich ornamentation in gold, silver, iron, and bronze.

If you’d like more information, Blake Gopnik’s article for The Washington Post will place the artifacts into a vivid historical context.

Also, be sure to check out this interactive slideshow courtesy of The Sackler Gallery.

The Sacred Silver Collection

Permanent Exhibition
The Victoria & Albert Museum in London, UK

Now that half the menorah is aglow and we’re entering the second week of Advent I’d like to take this moment to praise the Sacred Silver Collection at The Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

The Victoria & Albert Museum is the permanent host to a vast collection of silver finery from all over the globe. The Sacred Silver Collection contains artifacts of Christian and Jewish worship from early medieval times to the present day. Backed by a fascinating history of religion via metalwork, the breath-taking craftsmanship is a must-see for any silver enthusiast, regardless of faith.

Check out The Victoria & Albert Museum online for more information.

A word of caution from one who once got lost within their halls: the V & A can be over-whelming for the uninitiated visitor. This Telegraph article is a little outdated (e.g. the Sacred Silver Collection is now open to the public) but it has more than a few helpful hints to ensure a rewarding visit. Can’t say I agree with their Top 20 list though.

Authentication and Appraisal: What You Need To Know

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Humanities and Social Sciences Library in New York, NY

Is a “free” appraisal a good appraisal?

How can you be sure you’re getting a fair deal?

You can learn the answers to these questions and more by attending a lecture this Wednesday afternoon at the New York Public Library. Curator Paula Baxter, of the Wallach Art & Architecture Collection, will attempt to demystify the process of appraising and authenticating fine and decorative art objects.

Class will be held at the Celeste Bartos Education Center in the new South Court building. Registration costs nothing and seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A modicum of computer skills are required but if you’re reading this post I think it’s safe to assume you’ve got what it takes.

Check out the NYPL website for more information.

Silversmiths to the Nation: Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner, 1808–1842

November 20, 2007 – May 4, 2008
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY

The American Wing Galleries are gleaming at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In conjunction with The Winterthur Museum and Country Estate, the Met has put together the very first retrospective devoted entirely to the work of Fletcher and Gardiner, a relatively short-lived but highly significant 19th Century American silversmith firm.

This exhibition features an array of items ranging from the domestic and nondescript to the more outrageous and monumental, such as The Hull Urn. In total, over 100 artifacts are on display.

Visitors are also treated with insights to the silversmith craft and the creative process. A sample of European silver provides some context for these early American works while seven Fletcher and Gardiner pieces are accompanied by original design drawings.

Check out the Met website for more information.

Medieval Treasures from the Cleveland Museum of Art

October 30, 2007 – January 20, 2008
The Getty Center in Los Angeles, CA

While the Cleveland Museum of Art is being renovated their highly coveted collection of Medieval Treasures has been touring the globe. After a recent sojourn in Munich, the exhibition has returned to North America for a brief stay at the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

This renowned exhibit is comprised of 114 artifacts representing some 1,300 years of art history. It features Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval and High Gothic artwork in a whole variety of media - including some very significant and exquisite silver pieces.

Christina Nielsen’s lecture about the Guelph Treasure on Sunday, November 18th should be of particular interest to some of our readers (reservations are required).

Check out this interactive slideshow from the Getty for more information.