Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Visit
  • Exhibitions & Events
  • Art & Design
  • Search

Visit Main Menu Block

  • Hours & Admission
  • Accessibility & Amenities
  • Tours & Group Visits
  • Visitor Guidelines

Exhibitions and Events Main Menu Block

  • Exhibitions
  • Events

Art and Design Main Menu Block

  • The Collection
  • Projects & Publications
  • Past Exhibitions

Footer Main

  • Become a Member
  • Give
  • Who We Are
  • Opportunities
  • Rent the Museum

Introduction

Gorham Silver

Designing Brilliance 1850–1970
May 3 - December 1, 2019

When Jabez Gorham founded a small workshop a few blocks from here in 1831, handcrafted silver spoons were a principal product of his business. When the RISD Museum acquired a Gorham spoon in 1909, it marked the beginning of a collection of works by the Gorham Manufacturing Company that today comprises nearly 5,000 objects and design drawings. This exhibition—assembled from the museum’s collection with important loans from other institutions and private collections—illuminates the heights of Gorham’s industry, ambition, artistry, technology, and innovation.

The Gorham Manufacturing Company was an inimitable force in the city of Providence and around the globe, boldly growing into the largest silver company in the world. Gorham created some of the most exceptional works ever made in silver, forever changing the landscape of American decorative arts. The company also profoundly changed Rhode Island by training and employing generations of highly skilled workers and, like many local industries, leaving behind a complicated legacy. Visit the Gorham Workbench in this gallery and access the Soundwalk tour (information at right) to learn about the company’s impact on the community, labor practices, and the environment. Accompanied by a major publication (Rizzoli)

Purchase publication

with stunning new imagery and recent research, the exhibition will travel to the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Spanning 120 years, the objects on view here testify to the undiminished brilliance of Gorham’s workers as they collaboratively translated ideas into gleaming new realities, the restless innovation of the company’s leaders, and a dazzling array of aesthetic styles.

Elizabeth A. Williams
David and Peggy Rockefeller Curator of Decorative Arts and Design
RISD Museum

Events

group of flatware with hand placing serving spoon into frame
Talks and Conversations

Critical Encounters - FILLED TO CAPACITY

Designing Innovation
May 3, 2019 / 10 am-5:30 pm
Other events

Gorham Silver Exhibition Opening

May 3, 2019 / 5:30-7:30 pm
Talks and Conversations Other events

Echoes of the Gorham Manufacturing Company

Walking Tour
July 27, 2019 / 11 am-12:30 pm
Other events

Think and Drink

Gorham Silver
August 15, 2019 / 6-8 pm
Talks and Conversations Other events

Echoes of the Gorham Manufacturing Company

Walking Tour
August 25, 2019 / 11 am-12:30 pm
Talks and Conversations

Faculty Forum - Postponed to 11/6/19

Kai Franz
September 19, 2019 / 12-1 pm
Talks and Conversations Think and Drink

Think and Drink - Event Cancelled

Tea Time -
September 21, 2019 / 2-4 pm
Talks and Conversations

Viewpoints

Measuring Influence
September 22, 2019 / 3-4 pm
Talks and Conversations Other events

Echoes of the Gorham Manufacturing Company

Walking Tour
September 28, 2019 / 11 am-12:30 pm
Talks and Conversations

Annual Sellie Bernstingle Lecture | Gerald M. Carbone

October 15, 2019 / 11 am-12 pm
Talks and Conversations Workshops and studios

Silver in the Making

October 19, 2019 / 10 am-3 pm
Talks and Conversations Workshops and studios

Silver in the Making

October 26, 2019 / 10 am-3 pm
Talks and Conversations Other events

Echoes of the Gorham Manufacturing Company

Walking Tour
October 27, 2019 / 11 am-12:30 pm
Talks and Conversations Workshops and studios

Silver in the Making

November 2, 2019 / 10 am-3 pm
Talks and Conversations

Faculty Forum

Kai Franz
November 6, 2019 / 12-1 pm
Talks and Conversations

Viewpoints

Measuring Influence
November 24, 2019 / 3-4 pm

More Events

Projects & Publications

Articles

Critical Encounters: Recordings

College Curator Happenings Locally Made Perspectives
Designing Innovation College Curator Happenings Locally Made Perspectives Recorded on 05.03.19.

Continue

Gorham Silver: A Responsive Approach to Interpretation

The history of the Gorham Manufacturing Company is intertwined with that of Providence and Rhode Island. This uniquely local story has provided the opportunity for the RISD Museum to learn from the experiences of community members who have intersected with Gorham's legacy, and to allow that process to shape programs related to Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance 1850–1970.

Continue

(Re)tracing the Silver Seaweed: A Maker's Process

College How To Student Voices Studio Notes Artist
By Lillian Webster College How To Student Voices Studio Notes Artist THE INSPIRATION

Continue

Selected Objects

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Cincinnati Art Museum Souvenir Spoon, 1891

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Berry Spoons (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Pair of Wine Coolers, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Tea Caddy, 1880

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Ice Cream Plates (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Dinner Forks (set of 23), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fish Forks (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Dessert Forks (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fish Knives (set of 12), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Asparagus Tongs (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Fruit Stand, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fruit Plates (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Presentation Water Pitcher, ca. 1867

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Nutpicks (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Sauce Tureen, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Sauce Tureen, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Covered Vegetable Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Vegetable Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Vegetable Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Vegetable Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Pickle Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pickle Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Sauceboat, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Sauceboat, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Salt, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Salt, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Covered Butter Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Coffee Spoons (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Ice Cream Spoons (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Miniature Shell Dish, 1890

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Miniature Shell Dish, 1890

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Dinner Tablespoons (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pepper Shakers (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Butter Plates (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Salts (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Apostle Spoons, 1894

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Toddy Kettle and Stand, 1883

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Teaspoons (set of 36), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fish Knives, 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Luncheon Tablespoons (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Luncheon Knives (set of 36), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pitcher, 1876

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Covered Sugar Bowl, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Cream Pitcher, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Waste Bowl, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Spoon Holder, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Toast Rack, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Syrup Pitcher, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Teapot, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Coffeepot, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Coffee Urn, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Hot Water Kettle and Stand, 1874

Attributed to Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Waiter, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Martelé Writing Table and Chair, 1903

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Caster Set, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Egg Spoons (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Oyster Tureen, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Soup Tureen, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Tea and Coffee Service, ca. 1860

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Knife, ca. 1880

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Knife, ca. 1880

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Knife, ca. 1880

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Dessert Knives (set of 12), 1869

Erik Magnussen, designer

Cubic Coffee Service, 1927

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Martelé Tea and Coffee Service, 1901

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Melon Forks (set of 24), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Napkin Rings (set of 12), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Nutcracker, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Nutcracker, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Sardine Tongs, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Teapot and Stand, 1871

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Luncheon Forks (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fruit Knives (set of 12), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Bonbon Spoon, ca. 1893

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Ice Bowl, 1866

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Salad Servers, ca. 1880

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pickle Fork, 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Jewelry Box, ca. 1890

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Tureen, 1884

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Cake Knife, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Purse, 1903

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Oil and Vinegar Cruet, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Dressing Set, ca. 1890

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Ice Cream Stand, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Nutcracker, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Cologne Bottle with Stopper, ca. 1900

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Cheese Scoop, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Mustard Ladle, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Nutcracker, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Cellini Stand, 1874

Attributed to Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Cellini Vase, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Candelabra, 1871

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Grape Shears, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Grape Shears, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Nutcracker, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Meat Server, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Bread Knife, 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Candelabra, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Candelabra, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Box, 1880

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Matchbox, 1885

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Decanter, 1913

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Salad Set, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Carving Fork, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Sugar Tongs, ca. 1879

Erik Magnussen, designer

Pair of Candlesticks, 1928

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca. 1903

Attributed to Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Cellini Tray, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Cup, 1855

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Compote, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Compote, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Flask, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fish Knife, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pitcher, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Bread Plate, 1871

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Medallion Pitcher, 1864

Attributed to George Wilkinson, designer

Wine Decanter Set, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Tray, 1878

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Water Pitcher, 1878

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pair of Cups, 1878

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Salad Servers, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Isis Ice Serving Spoon, ca. 1871

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Martelé Vase and Centerpiece, 1904

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca. 1889

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Crumb Scraper, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Large Scoop, 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Sachem Trophy Pitcher, 1887

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Fruit Stand, 1871

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Fruit Stand, 1871

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Cake Basket, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fruit Stand, 1872

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca. 1889

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Salt Spoons, 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Traveling Desk Set, 1890

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pair of Wine Goblets, 1875

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Match Vase, 1890

Attributed to Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Plateau, 1876

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Ladle, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca. 1900

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Fruit Stand, 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Knife Rests (set of 4), 1879

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca. 1887

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Gravy Ladle, 1873

Attributed to Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Plateau, 1876

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Sugar Bowl, ca. 1867

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Card Tray, 1874

Attributed to Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Plateau, 1876

Thomas Pairpoint, designer

Epergne, 1872

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pastry Server, 1873

Erik Magnussen, designer

Cubic Salad Set, 1927

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Loving Cup, 1902

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Dinner Knives (set of 24), 1869

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Ladle, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Coffeepot, ca. 1890

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Game Knife, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Creamer, ca. 1867

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Gravy Ladle, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Pickle Fork, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Syrup Ladle, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Angelo Macaroni Serving Spoon, ca.1870

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Goblet, 1862

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Crumber, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Salad Dish, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Tray, 1883

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Basting Spoon, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Gravy Ladle, 1873

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Match Safe, ca. 1889

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Whiskey Decanter, 1892

Gorham Manufacturing Company, manufacturer

Table Bell, 1874

Gorham Manufacturing Company

Design for Athenic Loving Cup A4425, ca. 1900

More objects +

Exhibition Checklist

Gorham Silver : Designing Brilliance 1850–1970

May 3 - December 1, 2019
View Checklist PDF

RISD Museum

  •  Facebook
  •  Twitter
  •  Instagram
  •  Vimeo
  •  Pinterest
  •  SoundCloud

Footer Main

  • Become a Member
  • Give
  • Who We Are
  • Opportunities
  • Rent the Museum

Footer Secondary

  • Image Request
  • Press Office
  • Rent the Museum
  • Terms of Use