Silver of the Stars
30/05/08
Silver of the Stars, a collection of contemporary Scottish silver made by some of this country’s finest artists and created in collaboration with ten of the most glittering names from the worlds of film, fashion, theatre, music and literature is now on show at Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, until Saturday, 27 September, 2008.
The exhibition includes a stunning silver and gold quaich for Sir Sean Connery and a teapot inspired by a Harley Davidson three-wheeler for Billy Connolly. An absinthe goblet overflowing with decadence has been created for fashion designer Alexander McQueen while a mug and teapot with reclaimed motorbike handles has been made in silver for Ewan McGregor.
Other pieces include a whisky set for Robbie Coltrane, a fringed and diamond studded teapot for Sharleen Spiteri, a hot chocolate service for Nicola Benedetti, a claret set for theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh and a handle-less teapot for Lulu.
A flask and tumbler in silver and gold which sit upon a tray made of steel, inspired by the girders of the Forth Road Bridge was created for best selling crime writer Ian Rankin's tipple of choice, Irn Bru.
Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums Manager, Christine Rew, said: “International celebrities are the inspiration for this stunning exhibition of work by Scottish silversmiths which celebrates the simple enjoyment of sharing a drink with a friend.”
Michael Laing, the Deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, said: “The idea for Silver of the Stars was to find a way of uniting creative talent from many different disciplines. Scotland is in the unique position of fostering a community of world-class silversmiths and we have also produced some of the biggest names in global entertainment.
“Nothing unites us more as human beings than the ritual of sharing a drink with a friend. It is a simple yet profound experience and what has emerged from making this solid through silver is a heart warming affirmation of the ties that bind all with Scottish blood in their veins, no matter how famous.”
Silver of the Stars has recently returned from its first World Tour, where it was exhibited in London, New York, St Petersburg, Beijing, Kyoto and Edinburgh, attracting half a million visitors.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
