Collecting to Impress: Inspirations in Silver

A special exhibition from the world’s largest selection of silver for sale, with an emphasis on decorative pieces both modern and antique.

Items in the selling exhibition have been selected for their rarity, impressive looks or because they display a particularly skilful rendition of the silversmith’s art. From a pair of Gothick Revival, Pugin-influenced ‘font’ salts to a remarkable inkwell in the form of a medieval castle, or an avant garde contemporary Italian cocktail tray, there will be something to inspire budding collectors and silver connoisseurs.

The selling exhibition includes English and Continental pieces such as nefs (models of sailing ships), epergnes, tazzas and dessert stands; unusual objects such as a 1ft-tall silver castle inkwell and a pair of 2ft-tall Art Nouveau urns; gilded cups with covers, goblets, embellished cornucopia horns, ewers and jugs, Chinese import silver, table salts, enamelled items, memorial jewellery, semi-precious gem-set jewellery and antique pocket watches. Over 70 items to inspire will be on display, and all are for sale. Prices range from just under £100 to over £30,000. There are 30 or more dealers to visit and talk to about collecting, the history of silver, how to understand hallmarks, and how to care for your silver once you own it.

The exhibition in the foyer of the Vaults will run from 1 May to 30 September 2007 during opening hours – 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 9am to 1pm. Admission is free.

The exhibition at The Vaults has been timed to coincide with a major display of Renaissance silver opening at The Wallace Collection in July, which will feature 50 items of superb early silver of the highest calibre. ‘Renaissance Silver from The Schroder Collection’ puts on view the pinnacle of collecting: for those with an acquisitive intent, The London Silver Vaults offers more choice than you can imagine.