Silver in America, 1840-1940: A Century of Splendor
Published in conjunction with a display at the Dallas Museum of Art, this work explores in detail the dramatic development of the American silver industry. Curator of decorative arts at the Dallas Museum, Venable begins his study of America's passion for silver in 1840, when the nation became the largest producer and consumer of flatware in the world. By 1878 Tiffany's had passed its European competitors, winning the "grand prix" at the Paris world's fair, and the popularity continued on until 1940, when World War II almost totally halted silver manufacturing. In nine lavishly illustrated chapters, the author examines the production, marketing, use, and design of 100 years of silver luxury. Venable (American Furniture in the Bybee Collection, Univ. of Texas Pr., 1989) includes biographies of American silversmiths and offers insight into the elaborate dining and social rituals and gift-giving practices of the 19th century. Highly recommended for both reference and circulating collections.?Joseph Hewgley, Nashville P.L.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.