Preview: Silver of the Stars back in Edinburgh

CELEBRITY bling takes pride of place at the Museum of Edinburgh on the Royal Mile right now, with the return of Silver of the Stars.

Running until 21 September, this unique collection of contemporary Scottish silverware has been created by some of Scotland’s best craftsmen and women in collaboration with world-famous Scottish actors, writers and musicians.

On display will be the ten silver drinking vessels that make up the exhibition, including a vintage car-inspired whisky set for Harry Potter actor Robbie Coltrane by Grant McCaig.

McCaig created mood boards featuring references to Cadillacs and jazz to inspire him for his design, encapsulating a 1950s feel in the forms and details.

Other items on display include a silver whisky quaich for Sir Sean Connery by Michael Lloyd, decorated with an apple motif, representing at once the natural world and the fruit of knowledge, itself a weapon of peace.

Also in the collection is a bejewelled teapot for singer Sharleen Spiteri by Linda Robertson and a rolling teapot for Billy Connolly by Coilin ODubhghaill, inspired by the funnyman’s Harley Davidson three-wheeler.

A claret jug and beakers for musical theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, a coffee pot and mug for Ewan McGregor, Absinthe goblet for Alexander McQueen and an Irn Bru flask and beakers for Ian Rankin also feature.

Commissioned by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh to mark their 550th anniversary, the exhibition has attracted over three-quarters of a million visitors in recent years as it toured across Europe.

Councillor Richard Lewis, the city’s Culture and Sport Convener, says, “We’re delighted to be hosting Silver of the Stars and I’m sure it will draw in the crowds with ease, particularly during the busy summer months in Edinburgh.”

Tom Murray, the Deacon of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh, says, “Scotland is home to a unique community of artists working in silver. Their work is held by some of the world’s leading collectors and the demand from galleries to show this unique collection has been overwhelming.”

• Silver of the Stars, Museum of Edinburgh, Canongate, until 21 September, Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, free, 0131-529 4143