Silver: Made in Scotland will display over 350 key pieces from over seven centuries when it opens in January. Visitors have the opportunity to unveil the stories behind makers, objects and owners, whilst learning about the science of silver.
Highlights will include a metre-high solid silver model of the Scott Monument, a 17th Century suit made of silver thread and the first known coin minted for a Scottish King.
Many of the items are held in Scottish collections, but one rarity being loaned from the William Randolph Hearst Collection by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is pictured here. The Methuen Cup - possibly made by John Veitch, Edinburgh, c.1530 - is thought to be the earliest marked piece of Scottish silver.
Other highlights include the Heriot Loving Cup, made by Robert Dennieston, Edinburgh, 1611-13 and loaned by the Governors of George Heriot's School; the Bute Mazer, associated with Robert the Bruce, whose bowl, boss and lid were made c.1320, which is being loaned by a private Collection at Mount Stuart; the Keir Toilet Service, the only known complete Scottish-made toilet service in existence, made in 1704, from the museum's own collection; and the Sanctus Bell from The Holyrood Altar Plate, 1687, made by Zacharias Mellinus, Edinburgh, which is being loaned by the Scottish Roman Catholic Hierarchy.
Held in association with the incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, the exhibition will celebrate the 550th anniversary of hallmarking in Scotland.
The long-awaited How book on Scottish silver will also be published next year.
The museum is located in Chambers Street, Edinburgh, and the exhibition runs from January 25 to April 27.
By Laura Nightingale
