De Groninger Zilverkamer
Extensive silver collection, made in the 17th to 20th centuries, with many recognisable but also with some virtually unknown objects. Compiled from a traditional viewpoint and from the adage "It must be Groningen".
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Location
Oude Kerkstraat 1
9901 JB Appingedam Plan your route to De Groninger Zilverkamer
Initially, the Zilverkamer intended to showcase only silverwork by silversmiths from Dam. However, as the project progressed, the scope was expanded to cover the entire province of Groningen. Over time, a large collection of beautiful and authentic silverware has been assembled.
The collection now offers a comprehensive overview of the rich history of Groningen’s silversmiths and their work. Well into the 19th century, silversmiths were not only active in towns such as Groningen, Appingedam and Winschoten, but also worked from many villages across the province. Some villages even had more than one silversmith.
Silver was prized across many sections of society, and the silversmiths were renowned for their craftsmanship and respect for tradition.
The collection is managed in-house and is regularly expanded with new acquisitions and donations.
: a status symbolThe silver f…
Initially, the Zilverkamer intended to showcase only silverwork by silversmiths from Dam. However, as the project progressed, the scope was expanded to cover the entire province of Groningen. Over time, a large collection of beautiful and authentic silverware has been assembled.
The collection now offers a comprehensive overview of the rich history of Groningen’s silversmiths and their work. Well into the 19th century, silversmiths were not only active in towns such as Groningen, Appingedam and Winschoten, but also worked from many villages across the province. Some villages even had more than one silversmith.
Silver was prized across many sections of society, and the silversmiths were renowned for their craftsmanship and respect for tradition.
The collection is managed in-house and is regularly expanded with new acquisitions and donations.
as a status symbolIn the 19th century, silver served as a status symbol. People loved to outdo one another with gleaming silver brandy bowls, cups, dishes, baskets, boxes, coffee and tea pots, jugs, spoons and cutlery. People also showed off their silver with purse clasps, snuff boxes, book clasps, chatelaines with pendants, shoe buckles and, for example, tobacco boxes. The traditional style of the Groningen silversmiths is characterised by a high level of craftsmanship.
Church silver
As well as its own beautiful silverware, the Zilverkamer exhibits church silver from various parishes in the region. This mainly consists of silver chalices, bread bowls and jugs that have been loaned to the museum.
In addition, the board regularly purchases silver objects from Groningen, and the exhibition is supplemented by donations.
activitiesIn addition to its permanent collection, the Zilverkamer regularly organises exhibitions related to the province of Groningen.
The silver collection and the exhibitions are regularly accompanied by lectures, workshops, masterclasses and silver weekends.