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SILVER SPARKLE SUCCESS AT RECENT ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SHOW

Every spring Birmingham’s NEC takes a step back several centuries and hosts Antiques for Everyone, one of the world’s leading antique events. This year The Birmingham Assay Office were the star attraction, with “A Celebration of Silver” exhibition that gave visitors  a once in a lifetime opportunity to see pieces that have rarely if ever been on show to the general public. The Birmingham Assay Office  joined over 400 other specialist dealers from across  the country who showcased a fabulous range of high quality antiques, fine art and objets d’art valued at more than £20 million.

The Birmingham Assay Office silver exhibition generated so much interest that on the opening day there were unprecedented queues of visitors - the like of which had not been seen for many years.  The Curator, Dr Sally Baggott and SafeGuard Valuer Mr Craig O’Donnell who specialises in jewellery and antique silver reported that many visitors had informed them they had come specifically to see the collection and to appreciate the work of Birminghams’ silversmiths both past and present.

Curated by Dr Sally Baggott, “A Celebration of Silver” told the remarkable story of the history of hallmarking in Birmingham via a series of five cases. These included a case of ‘toys’ (vinaigrettes, snuff boxes, shoe buckles and small pieces for which Birmingham was famous in the 17th and 18th centuries). A second case was bursting with rare pieces from Matthew Boulton’s Soho manufactory, including eye-catching candlesticks and an epergne – a wonderful creation used as a centrepiece for grand dining tables to hold sweetmeats or fruit. “Boulton’s neo-classical candlesticks are absolutely fantastic and their simple elegance means they still have a very up-to-date appeal,” said
Dr Baggott.

A selection of 19th century pieces by many of the most famous silver manufacturers, including Elkington, alongside a case of early 20th century Arts and Crafts pieces demonstrated how the city’s silver industry took on a more industrialised processes.  The stunning Liberty silver standing cup, which was made in the city was the star piece of the Art & Crafts case. Bringing the marriage of Birmingham and silver up to date, was the case of contemporary silverware which featured a 21st-century large silver vase designed by Birmingham Assay Office Chief Executive Michael Allchin, and a beautiful silver jug designed by contemporary Birmingham silversmith, Martin Pugh who is also the Chairman of the British Jewellers’ Association.

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