All that Glistens
Last updated | 01/09/2010
For over 800 years silver has been worked Perth.
This story looks at the makers and their produce over the
centuries. Skills of the silversmith such as shaping,
decoration, assaying (testing) and hallmarking are explained.
Important historic pieces such as the Silver Ball of Rattray;
a sporting trophy to encourage archery, feature.
The church was a prominent customer for silver
with commissions for ceremonial cups, chalices and host
dishes.
Even everyday domestic life, forks to funnels and spoons to
spectacles were fashioned in silver.
Trowels, spades, caskets and keys are the type of item
needed for presentation and ceremony. These include the
Ceremonial Keys to the City of Perth. These were presented to Queen
Victoria on her first state visit to Scotland in 1842.
We bring everything up to date with a selection of contemporary
silver such as necklaces and nests, love tokens and
brooches. Included are pieces made by contemporary
silversmiths born or resident in the area, such as Malcolm
Appleby.
This is the finest collection of Perth-made silver in public
hands.
The assistance of the National Fund for Acquisitions (formerly the
Local Museums' Purchases Fund) in the acquisition of many of the
pieces on show is gratefully acknowledged.
A booklet
Perth Silver : A Guide to Perth Silver and
Silversmiths, giving the history of the craft locally
as well as information about local silversmiths, much of it
previously unpublished, is available from the Musuem and Art
Gallery shop.
The generous encouragement and financial assistance of the Perth
Decorative and Fine Art Society in the production of the booklet is
gratefully acknowledged.
