Silver, Metalwork and Jewellery

Silver and metalwork

The collection includes pieces dating from the 16th century, and shows the development of Irish silver and metalwork over the centuries. Other fascinating items include:

• The Loftus Cup, engraved with the words 'This silver cuppe was made of the great seale of Ireland in 1593, Adam Loftus being then Lord Chancellor'.
• The Bolton Charger, the largest known piece of Queen Anne silver, made to commemorate the centenary of the Plantation of Londonderry in 1708.
• The Kildare Toilet Service. A rare survival of a complete silver gilt toilet service. The 28 pieces were made for the dressing table of the wife of the 19th Earl of Kildare. Celebrating the birth of their son. Made by David Willaume, it dates from 1720-22.
• Our collection continues to grow, with recent acquisitions including commissioned and purchased pieces by Kevin O’Dwyer and Cara Murphy.

Jewellery

Mrs Anne Hull Grundy was a perceptive art collector and generous philanthropist. The Ulster Museum’s jewellery collection is largely the result of her donation. It contains works from the 16th to mid-20th century, as well as contemporary pieces by Breon O’Casey, Nuala Jamison, and Killian Shurmann. Many of the major Irish jewellery makers of the Celtic revival, including intricate bog oak pieces, are represented.

Highlights of the collection include 18th century paste and art nouveau jewellery, and 19th century Irish pieces.