MEMPHIS, TN.- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has organized an exhibition of 18th-century British silver from the collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cahn scheduled to open at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London this fall. Beyond the Maker's Mark: Paul de Lamerie Silver in the Cahn Collectiction celebrates the extraordinary work of London's leading 18th-century silversmith, Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751).

Born in the Low Countries, de Lamerie grew up in London's vibrant West End, where skilled artisans, many of them Huguenots like himself, supplied the flourishing luxury trades. He was a resourceful businessman, with a client base that included powerful Whigs, newly rich merchants, livery companies, and foreign courts. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was to take masterful advantage of the skilled specialists who worked anonymously beyond the maker's mark-for London's silversmiths. These artisans chasers, mold makers, casters and engraver many of them foreign born, created the great Rococo pieces for which de Lamerie is famous.

The Cahn collection includes some of the most important pieces of de Lamerie silver in private hands, such as the superb Maynard Dish made in 1736 and the extraordinary Tureen in the Shape of a Green Turtle from 1750. Exploring several aspects of de Lamerie's career such as his patrons, the evolution of his style, and the complex organization of his enterprise this exhibition includes many works that have never before been on public view. Theexhibition includes eleven pieces marked by de Lamerie's contemporaries, some of whom probably shared his suppliers.

In addition to showcasing the work of de Lamerie's fellow artisans, Beyond the Maker's Mark: Paul de Lamerie Silver in the Cahn Collection provides insight into the growing taste for luxury goods in the first half of the 18th century. The popularity of coffee and tea gave rise to a range of specialized wares, and similarly the introduction of new foods in the French taste required serving vessels in the latest style. The exhibition will also address de Lamerie's relationships with his patrons and encourage visitors to closely examine his adventurous style and artistic invention.

The travel schedule for the exhibition will be: November 7, 2006 - January 21, 2007, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, England March 30, 2007 - July 22, 2007, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, Tennessee October 28, 2007 - January 27, 2008, Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri March 2008 - July 2008, Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia.

A fully illustrated color catalogue by independent curator Ellenor M. Alcorn will accompany the exhibition. The catalogue will contain a foreword by Tessa Murdoch, Deputy Keeper, Department of Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Priced at $35 and distributed by the Antique Collectors' Club, the catalogue will be available through the Brooks Museum Store as well as other booksellers.

Brooks director Kaywin Feldman states, "We are thrilled to announce this tour of important works by Georgian England's most significant silversmith, an exhibition organized by the Brooks. The list of prestigious museums hosting the exhibition is an indication of the significance of the show. Beyond the Maker's Mark is an example of the Brooks Museum's commitment to excellence in all of our programs and exhibitions. I am extremely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cahn for lending their renowned collection of Paul de Lamerie silver."

The exhibition is organized and circulated by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and made possible by the Cahn Family Foundation and FedEx Corporation.