A Silver Lining
/June 29 – November 9, 2013
Perkins Gallery
This exhibition will showcase PMoA’s collection of Georgian silver, which refers to the period of the consecutive reigns of four English kings: King George I (1714-1727; King George II, son of George I (1727-1760); King George III, grandson of George II (1760-1820); and King George IV, son of George III (1820-1830). This time does not necessarily characterize a specific style in English silver as it does a time period when English silver became immensely popular. The styles of silverware varied throughout the Georgian Period, with the simplest forms produced through the reigns of George I and George II. Midway through the reign of George III, and lasting through the duration of George IV’s reign, silverwares styles became much more ornate by comparison. Most of these pieces were produced during the reign of King George III. The simpler pieces were produced during the early stages of the king’s reign and the more ornate pieces, during the latter years of his reign. When England entered into war with the American colonies during the late 18th century, styles in silver became to be far less ornate than the periods before and after. Around the turn of the 19th century, the style of English silverware was the most ornate of any other period.