National Museums Scotland

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Silver: Made in Scotland

The largest and most dazzling display of Scottish silver ever seen!

This beautiful, versatile precious metal has long symbolised wealth, power, status and success. In this never-to-be-repeated exhibition, in association with The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, you were able to see more than 350 shining examples, past and present.

The exhibition revealed the stories associated with the collection - from the ‘mazer’, or communal drinking cup, linked with Robert the Bruce to the unique silver teapot crafted for Billy Connolly!

We celebrated the glittering tradition of silversmithing in Scotland over seven centuries and, as we commemorate the 550th anniversary of hallmarking in Scotland in 2008, explored the ancient Incorporation of Goldsmiths that oversees the craft.  Our glittering exhibition unearthed the stories behind the makers, objects and owners and delved into the science of silver.

What could you see?

Highlights included a metre-high solid silver model of the Scott Monument, the first known coin minted for a Scottish King, and a silver suit fashioned for a flamboyant 17th-century Duke. You could also see the renowned Millennium Collection usually found adorning the dining table of the First Minister.

The sparkling finale, Silver of the Stars, showcased contemporary silver created for international celebrities, including Ewan McGregor, Sean Connery, Nicola Benedetti and Alexander McQueen. 

Buy the book

Silver tea kettle detail

A stunning book has been published to accompany Silver: Made in Scotland. Featuring beautiful illustrations and the stories behind the makers, objects and owners of some of Scotland's most exemplary pieces of silver, this book takes the reader on a journey of discovery from Robert the Bruce's communal drinking cup to Billy Connolly's unique silver teapot!
Order your copy from our online shop.

Silver: Made in Scotland, in association with:

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh

Sponsored by:

Hamilton and Inches

 

Lyon and Turnbull

Featuring:

Silver of the Stars