News Summary
Colonial Williamsburg is set to unveil its latest exhibition, ‘Silver from Modest to Majestic,’ featuring over 120 silver artifacts ranging from the 17th to 19th century. Opening on May 24, 2024, this showcase highlights the evolution and craftsmanship of silver objects in American history. Visitors can enjoy the newfound display in the Mary Jewett Gaiser Silver Gallery, with free admission to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for an enlightening experience.
Exciting New Exhibition in Colonial Williamsburg: “Silver from Modest to Majestic”!
Mark your calendars, folks! Colonial Williamsburg is gearing up for a dazzling new exhibition titled Silver from Modest to Majestic. This stunning showcase will feature over 120 captivating silver objects from the museum’s collection, spanning from the 17th to the 19th century. The exhibition opens on May 24, 2024, and will be available for viewing until May 24, 2028. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
A New Home for the Exhibition
You’ll find this eye-catching exhibition in the newly relocated Mary Jewett Gaiser Silver Gallery, located right on the main floor of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. The display will predominantly feature silver pieces showcased in beautifully lit cases against elegant dark blue backgrounds. This setup promises to create a striking visual experience for visitors, highlighting the beauty and craftsmanship of silver.
Exploring Silver’s Varied Histories
What makes Silver from Modest to Majestic truly fascinating is the wide range of items it presents—everything from a magnificent 49-pound chandelier that once illuminated a monarch’s abode, to a humble little spoon crafted by a local Williamsburg silversmith. The exhibition aims to illustrate that silver was not merely for show; instead, it served essential roles in various settings, including churches, classrooms, kitchens, and even battlefields. Each piece tells its own powerful story, revealing the unique histories of the artisans who created them and the people who used them.
Dive into America’s Silver Past
This new exhibition replaces the previous one, Silver from Mine to Masterpiece, which ran from 2015 to 2023. Interestingly, nearly half of the objects displayed in the new exhibit are early American silver. This is a shift from the last exhibition, which showcased a larger collection of British silver. This transformation highlights the journey of early American traders as they began moving away from relying on imported British silver and established their own traditions in silver craftsmanship.
Highlighting Notable Silversmiths
The exhibition pays tribute to exceptional silversmiths, including the likes of Paul Revere, known famously for his contributions during the American Revolution, and Myer Myers, a leading figure of New York silver craftsmanship. You’ll also learn about Hester Bateman, a pioneering female silversmith in London who created affordable items for the burgeoning middle class. It’s a delightful peek into the artisans who shaped the silver landscape!
Unearthing Hidden History
A unique aspect of the collection is the presence of many unmarked pieces made by unknown artisans, including enslaved silversmiths. This points to a complex history, underlining that many items attributed to renowned makers might actually have been crafted by their apprentices or enslaved individuals working in their shops. Understanding the background of these objects allows for a richer appreciation of the craftsmanship and the people behind the scenes.
Admission and More Information
Best of all, admission to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is absolutely free. This makes it even easier to explore the intricate world of silver and its historical significance! You can find more information about the art museums and how to plan your visit online at colonialwilliamsburg.org or by giving them a call at 855-296-6627.
So, gather your friends and family, and prepare for an enlightening journey through time with Silver from Modest to Majestic. It promises to be an unforgettable experience that shines a light on the rich history of silver and its makers!
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Additional Resources
- WY Daily: New Silver Exhibition Coming to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
- Wikipedia: Silver
- Smithsonian Magazine: 360-Year-Old Colonial Home Discovered in Virginia
- Google Search: American silver history
- The New York Times: Brooklyn Artists Museum Salon des Refusés
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Silver Art
- Archpaper: Jaz Architect Brooklyn Factory Gallery
- Google News: Silver Exhibition Colonial Williamsburg
