A new permanent exhibition case is now open in the Phoebe and Ed Forio Gallery with almost 50 stellar examples of American and European works of art in silver. This case has been under design and manufacture for three years. Its successful implementation is rooted in a generous gift from Alex and Claire Crumbley and the Chaparral Foundation, as well as funds from the Beverly H. Bremer Charitable Lead Unitrust. This case has boosted the effectiveness of our expansive collection in silver and will be a long-term educational tool.
On exhibition in the case are numerous Georgia-related objects. The olive spoon from Columbus (a museum purchase with funds provided by LaTrelle Brewster) has long been a star in this dimension of our program. It is paired with another attention-getting piece of tableware, a marrow scoop, a gift from the Crumbleys. Today, the idea of scraping bone marrow at table may seem inelegant, but one look at the lavishly decorated utensil will indicate that the mores of 19th-century Savannah were quite different. It is a rich installation including equestrian trophies; Reconstruction-era silver awards; early presentation silver and a host of materials that range in date from the 17th to the 21st century.
Both European and American silver will be exhibited in this case and important recent acquisitions include promised gifts of early-18th-century Irish silver from Princess Marina Sergeevna Belosselsky-Belozersky Kasarda as well as the Parker Collection. A mid-18th-century cake basket was the gift of Scott A. Kleiner and Heather S. Kleiner. The museum’s holdings in silver provide remarkable scope for education and exhibition. We are grateful to all who made this project possible.
Authored by:
Dale Couch
