METALWORK FEATURES

The Metalware Gallery

Charger, pewter, made to commemorate Charles II's marriage to Catherine of Braganza in 1662, Museum number: 347-1872 and Candlestick, brass, England, about 1500, museum number: M.18-1964

The Metalware Gallery shows around 230 pieces of European brass, pewter and cutlery dating from 1400 to the present day.

Rare archaeological finds of medieval dining pewter, 18th-century brass tobacco boxes and spectacular, semi-abstract, contemporary pieces hint at the great range of these collections. A 16th-century amputation saw, a pewter beaker engraved by an imprisoned, 18th-century, aristocratic spy and a souvenir cup with magical powers from a German copper mine, are three of the collection's more interesting 'relics'.

The collection continues to grow and the gallery displays new acquisitions. A fine set of gilt-brass door furniture of around 1775 based on designs by one of Britain's greatest 18th-century architects, Robert Adam and probably made by an important Midlands locksmith, Thomas Blockley, is a recent addition. An award-winning, powder-coated brass fruit bowl made in 2004 in the form of a decomposing leaf, by the Finnish metalworker Maria Jauhainen, is a highlight of the contemporary displays.

Displays featuring casting, raising, turning and engraving tackle the questions most visitors ask: What is it? And How Was It Made? The gallery is refreshed with changing displays, drawing on material in the V&A's reserves and from private collections. Currently, 'Silvered Brass' explores the 150 years after 1700 when tireless experimentation in mimicking precious metals seriously threatened the silver trade.

The Metalware Gallery opened in November 2004 and is located in Room 116, the western bridge gallery overlooking the Grand Entrance to the Museum.