Urgent Museum Notice

Women Silversmiths from the NMWA Collection

Mary Ann Croswell, George III child's rattle, 1808; Silver with coral, 5 3/8 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Silver collection assembled by Nancy Valentine, purchased with funds donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oliver R. Grace and family; Photo by Lee Stalsworth
Mar 23, 2012, to Feb 24, 2013

A selection of silver from the National Museum of Women in the Art’s collection has been chosen for exhibition by Nancy Valentine, a founding member of NMWA, to celebrate the museum’s 25th anniversary. Featuring British and Irish women silversmiths of the late 17th and 18th centuries, this exhibition illustrates the significant contribution women made to the silver industry as many women learned the trade within their families and built successful careers as designers, craftswomen, and businesswomen.

Highlights include an elaborate George III Epergne made by Hester Bateman in London in 1786, on limited loan from S.L. Shrubsole; and the newest addition to NMWA’s silver collection, a George II Silver Cup & Cover by Isabel Pero, made in London in the mid-18th century.

Small oval tobacco box made of silver. The relatively plain box features a Rococo engraving of a coat of arms at the center of the lid.

Elizabeth Haselwood, William III plain tobacco box, ca. 1695; Silver, 7/8 x 3 3/4 x 3 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Silver collection assembled by Nancy Valentine, purchased with funds donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oliver R. Grace and family