posted 04-01-2000 02:37 PM            

From teapots and tankards to snuff boxes and swords, silver played a daily role in the affluent Colonial American home. The collection of the late Henry Morris Burrows and his wife Elizabeth H. Burrows encompasses wide range of American silver from the Colonial and Federal periods, providing an opportunity to explore not only the objects themselves but the lives and customs of people who created and used them. Over 155 pieces from the Burrows' extensive collection will provide a glimpse into early American life through the exhibition "A Fresh and Large Assortment": American Silver from the Burrows Collection. Join us for the final personalized tour at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute on April 29, 2000.

"A Fresh and Large Assortment" was organized by Beth Carver Wees and by Alexis Goodin, assistant curator at the Clark Art Institute. Alexis Goodin will personally take us through the exhibition providing insights not otherwise available. Be sure to make your reservation no later than April 25, 2000.

Click here to find out more about this very special Silver Salon Tour and to make your reservation: http://www.smpub.com/sstours/clark.html

posted 04-02-2000 12:03 PM            

People are coming from PA, NY, MA & RI.
Some are planning this as a day trip (it is about a 3-3.5 hours from NYC to the clark). We and others are making a weekend out of this.

Great Barrington, Ma. (2.5 hours from NYC) is the area where most of us are staying. The antiquing on the way (route 7) to and in Great Barrington is pretty good. There is much to see and do in Great Barrington including some great restaurants. Maybe after the Clark we could all get together for meal in Great Barrington. If you are registered and would like a few recommendations on places to stay please let me know (via email).

Here is a map of the area: http://www.smpub.com/sstours/berkmap.jpg

posted 05-04-2000 10:09 PM            

Alexis spent more than two hours with us. She presented us with provenance and maker info on each of the items on display. She also provided us with information about what else is in the collection but not on display. What I really enjoyed was her enthusiasm and personal research into how each item might have been used. Each of us came with our own insights (i.e. silversmithing, iconographer, appraiser, sculpture, and the unique scholarship that comes with professional collecting) so we each had something to contribute. This made for a extraordinary event.

Alexis is on a two-year assignment at the Clark which ends in just a few months. We hope that she lands a position in our area. If she comes to your locality, don't miss the opportunity to meet her.

The group is seated in front of the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. We had heard that Sterling and Francine Clark are buried on the premises. It's true. The big planter in front of the original building is their burial site and the marble is so inscribed. We couldn't resist a photo. From left to right: Priscilla, June, Cheryl, Scott, Becky, Jeff, Richard.

Later we were joined by Lou and Barbara for a wonderful dinner at the Old Mill Restaurant in Great Barrington.

After dinner we got together for some "show and tell."