The Museum of Edinburgh on the Canongate is hosting the sparkling ‘Silver of the Stars’ exhibition, which makes a welcome return to the Scottish capital this summer following a triumphant six-year international tour.
On display until 21 September, this unique collection of contemporary Scottish silverware has been created by some Scotland’s best craftsmen and women in collaboration with world-famous Scottish actors, writers and musicians including Sean Connery and Ewan McGregor.
Commissioned by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh to mark their 550th anniversary, the exhibition has attracted over three-quarters of a million visitors across Europe.
On display will be the ten silver drinking vessels that make up the Silver of the Stars exhibition, including a vintage car-inspired whisky set for actor Robbie Coltrane, a bejewelled teapot for singer Sharleen Spiteri and a rolling teapot for Billy Connolly.
This year the collection returns to Scotland and is being shown at the newly refurbished Museum of Edinburgh before making its way up north for exhibitions at the Swanson Gallery in Thurso, the St Fergus Gallery in Wick and the Inverness Museum and Gallery.
Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s Culture and Sport Convener, said: “The newly refurbished Museum of Edinburgh will be the perfect venue for this wonderful exhibition that has proved immensely popular both in Scotland and internationally. We’re delighted to be hosting Silver of the Stars and I’m sure it will draw in the crowds with ease, particularly during the busy summer months in Edinburgh.”
The exhibition will be accompanied by an exciting programme of events including silversmithing and jewellery workshops, handling sessions and lectures.
Tom Murray, the Deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, which commissioned Silver of the Stars to mark the Incorporation’s 550th anniversary, said: “Scotland is home to a unique community of artists working in silver. Their work is held by some of the world’s leading collectors and the demand from galleries to show this unique collection has been overwhelming. There is a huge interest in Scotland and its heritage and this collection combines ancient techniques and craftsmanship with superb artistry and new engineering solutions. In many ways it stands as a metaphor for Scottish talent and innovation.”
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