Silver Stories

As part of Silver: Light and Shade, ‘Silver Stories’ will explore the history of objects of silver from the Holburne’s collection by highlighting a series of objects during the show’s run. These items explore four main themes: the changing style of silver and some of the key silversmiths making these items, objects that have specific connections to Bath and tell the story of the city, objects which highlight the important scientific properties of silver, and unusual and surprising objects.

There are many treasures within the Holburne Museum’s collection of silver that reflect Sir William Holburne’s eclectic tastes, which included porcelain, portraits, furniture, bronzes and items of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century silver. The silver Holburne collected ranges from the simple to the intricate, the functional to the decorative, and represents the ever changing form and design of the material.

 Silver Stories was compiled by Kate Vandor, MA Arts Management student at Bath Spa University and placement student at the Holburne Museum.

‘Argyle’ teapot, 1781 (Museum no. S120)

 The sleek lines of this ‘Argyle’ teapot and its cover are a celebration simple design and function and design, as well as fashion. Thought to have been invented by the 4th Duke of Argyle, the teapot was actually not for tea – but for gravy. The liquid was held in an inner lining. Between this and the outer wall is a space which was filled with hot water to keep the contents of the teapot warm. The teapot has been altered by the addition of the Holburne family crest, which was a common practice as a mark of ownership.

Cow Creamer, 1755 (Museum no. S44) On display in the Fletcher gallery

A cow creamer like this one is at the heart of the drama in P. G. Wodehouse’s book The Code of the Woosters with one character describing it as, “a sort of silver cow with a kind of blotto look on its face.”

This cow creamer, made by London-based Dutch silversmith John Schuppe in 1755, is located in the Fletcher Gallery. A cream jug like this would have been an important part of the ritual of serving tea or coffee. The cow’s body has been used to form the jug – a juxtaposition of shape and utility. This is a prime example of how silver can be manipulated to include tiny, delicate details like the fly on the cow’s back which acts as a handle for the lid.

The Witcombe Cabinet, 1697 (Museum no. 2006.4) On display in the Fletcher gallery

 The Witcombe Cabinet is a real showstopper from the late 17th Century. Its intricate design featuring flowers, birds, figures and insects is inspired by traditional Japanese lacquer chests, although the decorative detailing is more reminiscent of that found on Chinese porcelain. Lacquer was an expensive material which was reproduced for a fraction of the cost in layers of paint and varnish that imitate oriental lacquering techniques – a process called ‘japanning’. The cabinet was made for Sir Michael Hicks of Witcombe Park in Gloucestershire.

The silver aspect of this item can be found on the cabinet’s stand, which is silvered wood. Silvering is a form of gilding in which layers of glue and chalk are layered and then carved into, to achieve the detail of the design. This is then coated with clay and water, and covered with fine sheets of silver leaf.

Tot Cup, 1715/16 (Museum no. S453) On display in the Fletcher gallery

 This small silver cup was made by William Fleming in 1715/16. Its small size and minimal and sleek design meant that it was long thought to be a child’s cup. However, it was actually intended for the consumption of spirits: after 1688 William III banned the import of French brandy and encouraged the production of English liquors by raising the tax on beer. This led to a huge increase in the sale and production of spirits such as gin which became the cheapest form of alcohol. We know now that silver has anti-microbial properties, which make it an ideal material for drinking vessels.

Rosewater basin, 1616/17 (Museum no. S3). On display in the Davidson gallery

Despite its golden appearance, this Rosewater basin is one of the most iconic pieces of silver in the Holburne Museum’s collection! It was originally designed to hold perfumed water in which dinner guests could wash their hands during a formal meal, but as the practice feel out of favour it became a purely decorative item. The item is the largest example of gilded silver in the Museum’s collection. Its history as part of Queen Charlotte’s personal collection also makes it an exceptional item.

Chased silver bowl, c.1899 (Museum no. S427A)

This simple silver bowl is from a collection of treasures donated by Miss E. G. Tanner, who used her inheritance to travel the world. Born in French in Bristol, she ventured to Europe & then onto Baghdad and Persia, collecting a variety of beautiful and diverse objects which she gave to us and which are still housed at the Holburne Museum.