Paul Revere and Beyond: Understanding 18th-Century New England Silver

PROGRAM:
Ranking among the United States’ top ten museum collections of American silver, Historic Deerfield is well known for its strength in New England-made silver objects.  Join curators and a master craftsman for a day of exploration of Historic Deerfield’s lustrous treasures, the art and mystery of silversmithing, and the manufacturers of early New England silver, especially focusing on the work of Paul Revere.  Enjoy presentations by Jeannine Falino, Curator of the Museum of Arts & Design in New York City; Amanda Lange, Curatorial Department Chair and Curator of Historic Interiors at Historic Deerfield; and Stephen Smithers, Master Silversmith of Ashfield, Massachusetts. A hands-on silver workshop will demonstrate the tools and techniques used to examine silver as a connoisseur does.  The workshop will utilize objects (both authentic and deceptive) from the museum’s collection. Click here for an information and registration form.

SPEAKERS:
Ms. Falino is Curator of the Museum of Arts & Design, New York, NY, and a noted silver specialist.  She has widely published on American silver, jewelry, and contemporary craft, and was also the chief author and co-editor of Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2008). 

 Ms. Lange has curated the ceramics, glass, and metalware collections at Historic Deerfield for the past 15 years.  She published Delftware at Historic Deerfield (2001) and Chinese Export Art at Historic Deerfield (2005), and is currently at work on a catalogue of the English creamware collection. 

 Mr. Smithers has worked as a silversmith for the past 34 years. He has specialized in the reproduction of early American silver for private clients, museums, and organizations. 

SCHEDULE:
9:45 a.m. Registration and Coffee. White Church

10:20 a.m. Welcome by Philip Zea, President, Historic Deerfield.

 10:30 a.m. Lecture: “A Handsome Cupboard of Plate: Historic Deerfield’s New England Silver Collection.” Amanda Lange, Curatorial Department Chair and Curator of Historic Interiors, Historic Deerfield.

11:30 a.m. Lecture: “Revealing Revere: A Socio-Political Portrait of America’s Favorite Silversmith.” Jeannine Falino, Curator, Museum of Arts & Design.

12:30 p.m. Lunch. Deerfield Inn.

 2:00 p.m. Hands-on Workshop: “Sleuthing Silver: Understanding New England Silver,” led by Jeannine Falino.  Pewter Room

3:00 p.m. Presentation: “The Work of Paul Revere: A Demonstration and Discussion of the Tools and Techniques of his Time,” led by Stephen Smithers, Master Silversmith. Silver Workshop

4:00 p.m. Tour: “Henry Needham Flynt’s Silver Collection,” led by a Master Guide. Silver Vault

 5:00 p.m. Reception. Hall Tavern.