Varied Treasures: January 2019 Edition
In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, the Charleston Museum, America's first museum founded in 1773, serves as a testament to the city's rich history. The museum's collection, under the careful curation of Grahame Long, showcases a myriad of artefacts, including a significant number of silver items that tell captivating stories of the city's past.
Grahame Long, the museum's chief curator, has a special fascination for the silver collection, particularly the silver tea sets, ceremonial vessels, and everyday objects made from pure silver. These items, with their intricate craftsmanship and artistic transformation from practical objects into art pieces, are not just valued for their material worth but also for their cultural and artistic significance.
One such item is the South Carolina Society's Rice Spoon, a part of the museum's collection. Another significant piece is the Paten and Chalice from the Strawberry Chapel, although these are not currently pictured in the online catalog.
The Charleston Museum's silver collection also includes items with historical significance, such as the gorget owned by Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a signer of the United States Constitution. This gorget, made by John Vanall circa 1750, was a communicative symbol of rank. The engraving on it was likely done after the American Revolution as a commemorative gesture.
The Christopher T. Loeblein Gallery of Charleston Silver, a part of the museum, houses hundreds of pieces of Charleston-made flatware and hollowware. Among these treasures is the Macbeth Silver and the Pap Boat, created by Abby Maria Barnes.
Charleston, a prosperous seaport, became a refuge for artisans of diverse talents in the late 18th century. By 1780, there were twenty-five silversmiths working in Charleston, and by 1820, this number had increased to over eighty.
The Charleston Museum's mission extends beyond just preserving history. It aims to educate Charleston area residents and visitors about the natural and cultural history of the South Carolina Lowcountry. The museum's collection, which includes historic artifacts, natural history, decorative arts, and two historic Charleston houses, is highly regarded, offering a comprehensive insight into the city's past.
For more information about The Charleston Museum, its collection, and upcoming exhibitions, visit charlestonmuseum.org. The museum continues to be a living testament to the city's rich history, inviting visitors to delve into the stories of Charleston's past and appreciate the artistry of its silver collection.
Grahame Long, the museum's chief curator, also finds the home-and-garden pieces, such as the Macbeth Silver and the Pap Boat, created by Abby Maria Barnes, particularly captivating within the Charleston Museum's collection. These items embody the city's lifestyle at that time, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of its silversmiths in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina.
