Art in Industry: The Silver of Paul Storr, Koopman Rare Art, 53-64 Chancery Lane, London WC2, until 31st October 2015
The name of Paul Storr will be familiar to many of you who are interested in antique silver and this spectacular exhibition features over two hundred pieces and in fact traces his entire career from an early set of George III salts (1791/92) to Victorian pieces inspired by his designs after he had retired in 1838.
The Gladstone Dinner Service, London 1824
Silver, Maker’s mark of Paul Storr
Provenance: Presented to Sir John Gladstone (1764-1851) on Monday, 18 October 1824, following a public subscription raised by the people of Liverpool, thence by descent.
This magnificent silver dinner service, commissioned by the people of Liverpool from Paul Storr, was presented to Sir John Gladstone (1764-1851) on Monday 18 October 1824, by the townspeople of Liverpool, to celebrate his role in the promotion of the trade and commerce of the city.
Photograph shows part of the dinner service.
As director Timo Koopman explains: “Storr is a byword for quality in silver. In the 21st century silver is regarded as a luxurious accessory to elegant living, whereas 200 years ago it was an absolute necessity and required a major capital investment. Silver was the ultimate status symbol, today’s equivalent of a private yacht, jet or top quality car.”
The wonderful thing about this silver is its patina which results from it being used, often on a daily basis. Storr made silver for the great and good of his era whether royal, noble, a military hero or just plain wealthy.
Royal George III presentation tray, London, 1815.
Maker’s mark of Paul Storr for Rundell Bridge & Rundell
Designed by Thomas Stothard
Presentation from H.R.H. The Prince Regent to General Thomas Garth, 2nd May 1816
Length: 32 7/8 in (83.5cm) over handles, Weight: 313oz. 1 dwt (9,749gr)
The case: 35in (89cm)
The silver scholar Christopher Hartop, author of a new book on Storr, says: “Storr’s amazing achievement was the sheer scale of his activity, and the ingenious way he merged creative talent and cutting-edge technology. He was a gifted entrepreneur with a flair for spotting the best artists, including celebrated painters and sculptors as well as designers, draughtsmen and modellers. Fine art and the ‘plastic arts’ were united as never before. In addition Storr’s use of innovative technology is breath-taking; it was the Microsoft of its day and meant that silver was available to a much wider client base”.
An outstanding and exceptionally rare set of four silver William IV figural salt cellars by Paul Storr – London 1832
These are of the highest quality in every aspect, as one would certainly expect from the best pieces made by Paul Storr during this period.
Total weight approximately 128oz troy
Height 6 1/4in (15.75cm); diameter :4 1/2in (11.5cm).
The associated book is Art in Industry: The Silver of Paul Storr by Christopher Hartop £45 (ISBN: 978 1 898565 14 7) http://www.johnadamsonbooks.com
Tim Forrest's E & A 