posted 08-04-2007 08:25 PM            

Jersey

quote:

---

Two Preeminent 19th-Century American Silversmiths Featured in Fall Exhibition at Metropolitan Museum

Exhibition dates: November 20, 2007 – May 4, 2008
Exhibition location: The American Wing, first floor
Press preview: Monday, November 19, 10:00 a.m. – noon

Established in Boston in 1808 and relocated to Philadelphia three years later, the silversmithing firm of Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner produced American silver of unprecedented quality and grandeur. Opening November 20 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Silversmiths to the Nation: Thomas Fletcher and Sidney Gardiner, 1808-1842 is the first exhibition devoted entirely to their work, which, in its grand scale and patriotic imagery, reflected America's coming of age as a commercial, industrial, political, and artistic center. More than 100 examples in silver – from monumental vessels that celebrate military and civic heroes to domestic, ecclesiastical, and personal items resplendent with neoclassical ornament and displaying sophisticated design and craftsmanship – are arranged chronologically and thematically. A rare group of some 35 related drawings, purchased by the Metropolitan in 1953 and never before exhibited together, will offer important insights into the evolution of Fletcher and Gardiner's designs. Of particular interest will be the display of seven works in silver alongside their corresponding design drawings.

The exhibition is made possible by Alamo Rent A Car, Inc.

It was organized by Winterthur Museum and Country Estate.

Among the highlights of the exhibition will be a pair of magnificent vases presented in 1825 to New York's governor De Witt Clinton for promoting construction of the Erie Canal. These vases, commissioned by a group of grateful New York City merchants, are now among the treasures of the Metropolitan Museum's American Wing.

Also shown will be numerous examples of fine household and personal silver and gold, such as dinner services, pitchers, a cake basket, compote, snuff box, candelabrum, and tea and coffee sets. A particularly elegant silver ewer, tray, sauce boat, and covered dish were once part of a 52-piece service presented to Commodore John Rodgers by the Citizens of Baltimore.

Fletcher and Gardiner were the preeminent silversmiths of early 19th-century America. In the history of American silver, they serve as a link between small crafts shops, such as that of Paul Revere, and larger manufacturers and purveyors of luxury goods, such as Tiffany & Company. The history of Fletcher (who tended to the creative and financial aspects of the business) and Gardiner (who oversaw the manufactory) is enriched by the survival of business papers, personal correspondence, letter books, and travel journals that chronicle their professional dealings and the world in which they lived. Thomas Fletcher's travels in England and France are well-documented and include visits to the manufactories and retailers from whom he purchased goods for shipment to America. A selection of English and Continental silver will provide background and context for American achievements.

The exhibition is organized at the Metropolitan by Beth Carver Wees, Curator, Department of American Decorative Arts, with the assistance of Medill Higgins Harvey, Research Associate.

A fully illustrated scholarly catalogue with essays by Donald L. Fennimore and Ann K. Wagner (both of Winterthur Museum), Deborah D. Waters (Museum of the City of New York), Cathy Matson (University of Delaware), and Beth Carver Wees (Metropolitan Museum) will accompany the exhibition. The book, published by the Antique Collectors' Club, will be available in the Museum's book shops for $75 (hardcover).

The catalogue is made possible in part by the William Cullen Bryant Fellows.

A variety of education programs has been organized to complement the exhibition. Highlights include How Did They Do That? – demonstrations and discussions on the art of American silversmithing – which will be offered to families on January 5 and 6, 2008, as well as the teacher workshop The How, What, and Why of Early Nineteenth-Century American Silver on January 5. The exhibitions and related programs will also be featured on the Museum's Web site (www.metmuseum.org).

After its presentation at the Metropolitan Museum, the exhibition will be shown at The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum and The Society of the Four Arts (Palm Beach).

# # #

August 1, 2007

---