Beyond the Maker's Mark

Beyond the Maker's Mark: Paul de Lamerie Silver in the Cahn Collection is a new display at the V&A celebrating the extraordinary work of Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751), London's leading 18th-century silversmith. The display will include around 50 pieces of de Lamerie silver from the Cahn Collection, currently on loan to The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Tennessee, who have organized this touring display.

The exhibition is on view through 21 January 2007.

The Cahn Collection includes some of the most important pieces of de Lamerie silver in private hands, such as the Maynard Dish made in 1736 and the extraordinary Turtle Tureen of 1750, and many works that have never before been on public view. The display will explore several aspects of de Lamerie's career including his patrons, the evolution of his style, and the complex organisation of his highly successful business.

In the first half of the 18th-century, London was a centre for the production of luxury goods and de Lamerie's pieces set the standard for luxury and fine craftsmanship. The popularity of coffee and tea in the 18th century gave rise to a range of specialized wares, and similarly, the introduction of new foods in the French taste required serving vessels in the latest style.

The city's booming economy attracted skilled artisans from the Continent, many of whom, like de Lamerie, were Huguenots, French Protestants fleeing persecution. De Lamerie's mark appears on numerous objects of silver, ranging from candelabra to complete dinner services. Some of the most innovative objects of the period were created by anonymous artisans who worked for established makers like de Lamerie. The display will include eleven pieces marked by de Lamerie's contemporaries, some of whom probably shared his suppliers.

The display will also address de Lamerie's relationships with his patrons and encourage visitors to closely examine his adventurous style and artistic invention.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Director Kaywin Feldman said, "We are thrilled to announce this tour of important works by Georgian England's most significant silversmith. The list of prestigious museums hosting the display is an indication of the significance of the show. Beyond the Maker's Mark is an example of The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art's commitment to excellence in all of our programs and exhibitions. I am extremely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cahn for lending their renowned collection of Paul de Lamerie silver."

V&A Director Mark Jones said: "I am delighted that this display will come to the V&A. Paul de Lamerie was both a great silversmith who used the most innovative suppliers in the trade to produce astonishingly spectacular rococo silver and a successful businessman. The Cahn collection is outstanding and its highlights will be seen within the context of the V&A's silver collection, including masterpieces by De Lamerie, on permanent display in other galleries".

By www.vam.ac.uk