Estonian National Museum opens exhibition of nearly 1,000 silver items

The Estonian National Museum in Tartu is opening an exhibition to showcase the work of goldsmiths and silversmiths in Estonia between 1918 and 1944.

The display features the most comprehensive overview of Estonian silver craftsmanship to date, focusing on the interwar period. The exhibition, titled Silver for a New Republic. Estonian Goldsmiths 1918-1944, displays a wide range of objects including cutlery, coffee sets, cigarette cases, and lighters.

Curator Riina Reinvelt says the items reveal the skills of craftsmen and the values of the people who used them. Director Laura Kipper added that engravings on the objects, such as monograms and town views, provide a glimpse into the society of that era. Researchers spent several years studying thousands of archival records and objects to prepare the show. This work allowed them to link more than 200 makers' marks to specific smiths, identifying many craftsmen who were previously unknown.

The museum compiled these findings into a book and will keep the exhibition open until August 29 next year.