The Silver Collection
In the early days of the Sheffield Assay Office, it was stipulated that any profits made by the Office had to be used solely for prosecuting those who broke the law on hallmarking.
However, by the beginning of the twentieth century the local Sheffield silver industry was at its height and the Office was making a large profit. As a result, a new Act was granted in 1906, permitting some of the surplus to be spent on providing a collection of books or objects relating to the silver and gold industry, to promoting technical education in Sheffield especially for the silver and gold industry, and for charitable donations.
Since then, the Office has built up a large specialised library and a magnificent collection of silver, much of it made in Sheffield. The collection numbers more than 1000 items of silver and silver plate -dating right back to the very first year of the Assay Office in 1773 and spanning the centuries right up to the present day. Each year a commission is made to add to the collection.
From the most elaborate and ornate historical pieces to the stunning simplicity of contemporary pieces, the collection is lovingly cared for and regularly cleaned.
The Office also takes an active role in encouraging and sponsoring local designers and craftsmen and women. Recently, it financed a fully equipped workshop unit at Persistence Works for metalwork and jewellery graduates starting out in business.
In addition, the Office is a corporate member of the Millennium Galleries, where the splendid Millennium Punch Bowl (shown here) is on display. This ongoing commission was the result of collaboration between four local designers; Alex Brogden, Chris Knight, Brett Payne and Keith Tyssen.
A new cup is to be added each year, commissioned by the Assay Office from a modern designer.
