Three New Dundee Silver Acquisitions
Three important pieces of Scottish silverware have been bought by Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum with significant support from The Art Fund, the UK's leading independent art charity. Scottish Provincial Silver, or Burgh Silver, is of excellent quality and much sought after by collectors. The Gallery and Museum has been systematically acquiring antique Dundee Silver over the last forty years - with the aim of having the best collection in the world.
Convener, Mr Richard McCready said, "We have recently received recognition by the Scottish Government for our outstanding collection of Dundee Silver. Within our resources we are continuously seeking to improve it. We are delighted to announce to the public details of three splendid new pieces of silver which were purchased with the generous and invaluable support of The Art Fund."
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The first item is an extremely rare Silver Clan Badge, circa 1850, made by Whytock and Sons of Dundee. It features the crest of the Scottish Bowman family - hence the little cherub with his bow and arrow. The heads of "Blackamoors" often appear in heraldry, indicating service in the Crusades. This black boy is more unusual and deserves further research. The motto "Sublimia cures" meaning "Set your mind on higher things" comes from the Roman author Horace (65-8 BC). A successful piece of design, it fills the circular frame to perfection. |
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Next is an unusual pair of Silver Shoe Buckles, circa 1780, by William Scott, Dundee's outstanding silversmith of the late 18th century. They are exquisitely made in the form of curved rectangular open work. The crisply beaded inner and outer borders are separated by diamond-shaped spacers. |
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The final item is a magnificent four-piece Silver Tea Service, circa 1800, made by James Douglas while he was in Dundee. He was an excellent Edinburgh trained maker, who spent a few years in Dundee between 1795 and 1800. The set comprises an oval teapot, a swing handled sugar basin, a helmet-shaped cream jug, and a navette-shaped teapot stand. The separate pieces are all bright-cut engraved with a border of thistle heads and foliage. It is in a distinctive neo-classical pattern with its elegant teapot stand adding a sophisticated touch; it is the earliest complete Dundee tea-set in the collection. |
Prime examples of Dundee silver will feature in the newly refurbished McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum which will reopen later this year. |
