posted 06-24-2003 06:11 PM            

June 19, 2003 – May 31, 2004

Featuring around 250 pieces, this is the largest exhibition of the work of the Aurora Silver Plate Manufacturing Company of Aurora, Illinois. The exhibit includes many unusual and unique items, several of which are on public display for the first time.

Aurora Silver Plate descended from the Chicago Silver Plate Company. The company was active from 1869 until 1919, when the factory was purchased by Mulholland Brothers. Mulholland then operated in Aurora until 1932. Samples of the work of all three companies are on exhibit.

In addition to highlighting the company and its product lines, the exhibit discusses 19th century social history; aspects of style; and manufacturing processes.

Among the items on display are presentation cups, tea sets, vases, and a wide assortment of serving pieces for the table. Highlights include a presentation cup--the largest known object produced by Aurora Silver Plate--and a paperweight in the shape of a dog that is believed to be the first piece made in Aurora.

The exhibit is located on the second floor of the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, at 20 East Downer Place in downtown Aurora. For further information, or for directions to the museum, please call the Aurora Historical Society at 630/906-0650, or visit our web site at www.aurorahistoricalsociety.org

posted 07-16-2003 05:03 PM            

I am quite pleased with the exhibit, and would love to have scholars, collectors and other interested parties visit us.

There will be a catalogue for the exhibit, though it is not yet completed. I will contact you when it is finished--which I hope to be soon.