Stories in Sterling: Four Centuries of Silver in New York

'Stories in Sterling' is the first comprehensive survey of the New York Historical Society's superb collection of early American silver, one of the finest in the United States. It features the full range of silver works, from masterpieces like the 1772 salver by New York City silversmith Lewis Fueter, to the simpler, but no less significant teapot made for the Schuyler family by the Albany silversmith Kiliaen Van Rensselaer in 1695 - one of the earliest teapots made in New York. Seven chapters consider silver from a range of perspectives: its reflection of the multiethnic character of colonial New York; the impact of industrialisation on its manufacture and consumption; its role in honouring public achievement or marking rites of passage; and, finally, its ability to express its owners' social standing. With a wealth of related objects and original documents, 'Stories in Sterling' is a vital reference tool for scholars, collectors and enthusiasts of American silver and culture. Published to accompany an exhibtion at the New York Historical Society from May 4 to September 2, 2012.