Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the Cahn Collection

Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the Cahn Collection

The Maynard dish, 1736/7. Silver. Marked by Paul de Lamerie, 1688-1751, English.

Tureen in the shape of a green turtle, 1750/1. Silver. Marked by Paul de Lamerie, 1688-1751, English.

Pair of candlesticks, 1742/43. Silver. Marked by Paul de Lamerie, 1688-1751, English.

From 18 April - 22 June 2008
only Australian venue

An international exhibition celebrating the work of the legendary 18th century silversmith, Paul de Lamerie (1688—1751), whose London workshop designed and produced some of the most innovative and visually striking silverware ever crafted.

Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the Cahn Collection is drawn from the American collection of Paul and Elissa Cahn, one of the finest private collections of 18th century British silver in the world today.

Highlights of the exhibition include the magnificent Maynard Dish and the Turtle Tureen shown here. These are displayed with almost 70 pieces designed mainly in the 18th century Rococo style, including elaborate sideboard dishes, candelabra, wine coolers and coffee pots. Objects with flamboyant handles, zoomorphic spouts, fruit finials and ‘dancing’ scroll feet will provide a visual feast for silver and fine art lovers alike.

Paul de Lamerie came to London as a baby with his Huguenot (French Protestants) parents who had escaped religious persecution. After serving a traditional apprenticeship and working as a journeyman, he set up his own business to eventually become London’s most celebrated silversmith and one of the first to explore the spirited Rococo style. Some examples of work by his contemporaries will also be displayed, including pieces by Paul Crespin and Charles Kändler.

Silver lace workshop with Rosemary Shepherd
Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 November 2008
10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo
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As well as showcasing the impressive range of silverware from de Lamerie’s workshop, Silver also offers an insight into the growing taste for luxury and fine craftsmanship in 18th century London. The fashion for French cuisine led to an increased demand for stylish vessels inspired by French designs, as did the popularity of tea and coffee drinking. The influence of skilled French artisans played a major role in this growing luxury market.

The exhibition also looks at the significance of the silversmith’s mark and de Lamerie’s role as both an artist and a highly successful entrepreneur in the development of a tradition of fine English silverware.

Silver: Paul de Lamerie from the Cahn Collection is organised and circulated by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and made possible by the Cahn Family Foundation and FedEX Corporation.

Four sauceboats, 1730/31. Silver.
Marked by Paul de Lamerie,
1688-1751, English.

Talks After Noon
Sunday 22 June
The English at Table from 1400 to 1950
Ruth Pope, Lecturer on English Table Silver Join silver expert
Ruth Pope in this extraordinary insight into eating utensils, their owners and their makers. Through this journey across six centuries of English table silver, discover how the makers marked their silver, why the possession of silver was such an important aspect of wealth and when the precursors of today’s cutlery were first introduced to the dining table. With a wide selection of original items at hand, Ruth Pope will also expand on how silver was displayed, stored and cleaned.