Set out below are a selection of current and forthcoming exhibitions and lectures that the Society believes may be of interest. Please note that the organisation of these events is independent of the Society.

UK Exhibitions and Events

  • Golden Wreaths for Hippocrates. Art, Learning, and Lineage on a Medieval Cup. – Webinar Tuesday 4th February 5:30 – 7:00PM.
    On the occasion of the loan of the Foundress’ Cup of Christ’s College to the British Library for their exhibition medieval women: in their own words’, this lecture will offer the first analysis of the cup as an eloquent artwork. It was commissioned in the 1430s by Humfrey & Eleanor, Duke & Duchess of Gloucester, perhaps to serve ‘hippocras’, a spiced wine thought to aid digestion. It borrows common forms and iconography but subtly transforms them. The Goldsmith asserts the uniqueness of his craft and material, while the patrons adapt the canons of gothic ornament to create a shining spiral. Of references to poetry, heraldry, cuisine, medicine, and alchemy. Link.
  • Unseen Treasures of the Portland Collection at The Harley Gallery, Welbeck. Running until 31 December 2025. This exhibition offers a new look at the world-class Portland Collection of art. There will be silver and tapestry, paintings and jewels; art that has come home after a long loan to a prestigious national gallery, and stunning star items that visitors know and love – such as Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna of Silence’ or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution. Tickets: Free. More information and booking via this link.
  • Goldsmiths North Contemporary Silverware & Jewellery Shopping Experience – 30th May to 1st June 2025
    Goldsmiths North 2025 will take place between 30th May and 1st June 2025. An international shopping experience bringing the finest contemporary Silverware & Jewellery from the UK and Europe to the North of England, hosted in the magnificent Cutlers’ Hall in the heart of Sheffield. Link

International Exhibitions and Events

  • Memory & Meaning in Southern Silver (Seminar). Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Winston-Salem, 20-21 September 2024. Featured speakers include Ben Miller of Shrubsole and the Antique Magazine’s ‘Curious Objects’ podcast, author and scholar Catherine Hollan, and Colonial Williamsburg’s Erik Goldstein. In addition to an opening keynote and a day of dynamic lectures, attendees will also have an opportunity to examine MESDA’s silver collection up close during an open house in the MESDA study rooms. Tickets $325. More information and booking via this link.
  • Irish Silver Exhibition at The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin: Permanent exhibition. More information via this link. Tickets: Free
  • Silver from the Ardennes region of FranceL’orfèvrerie des Ardennes: une génération de découvertes – until 5 January 2025.
    Musée de l’Ardenne 30 Place Ducale 08000 Charleville-Mézières
    Hours: Monday – Friday 9h00-12h00/13h30-17h30; Saturday & Sunday14h00 – 17h30
    Admission: 8€
    https://www.musear.fr/p-3-musee-de-l-ardenne.html
  • Christofle: A Brilliant Story To celebrate the 200-year anniversary of Christofle, the Paris Musée des Arts Décoratifs has mounted the largest-ever exhibition dedicated to the firm.
    Christofle: Une brillante histoire / Christofle: A brilliant story – until 20 April 2025.
    Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris
    107 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
    Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11h00-18h00
    Admission: 16€, which gives access to the entire museum
    https://madparis.fr