Introduction

Background

As I was walking my dogs in the Pentland Hills above Edinburgh, I asked myself how silversmithing, a tradition reaching back hundreds of years in Scotland, could be made more relevant and interesting in the modern world. Scotland has always been a leader in innovative design, producing life-changing inventions from the telephone to television to Dolly the Sheep, the world's first cloned mammal. It occurred to me that we now needed to adapt the best of our exquisite design and craft traditions to suit today's nano-second world, in which much of our lives are defined and influenced by image, excitement and entertainment.

The Collection

So was born"Silver of the Stars", in which ten international celebrities in the fields of film, fashion, music, theatre and literature, have been paired with ten of Scotland's finest silversmiths. Each pair has collaborated on the design for a piece of silver on that most beautiful moment,"a drink with a close friend", resulting in a hugely varied collection of drinking vessels that ranges from absinthe goblets to teapots to claret jugs. "Silver of the Stars" is a registered charity that will benefit ten charities nominated by each of the celebrities.

World Tour

The collection will embark on a first world tour in January 2007, and be exhibited in some of the world's top museums in London, New York, St Petersburg, Beijing, Kyoto and Edinburgh. Following this initial world tour, "Silver of the Stars" will begin a second tour, for which venues in San Francisco and North Carolina have already shown an interest.

Celebrity Stories and Photographs

As "Silver of the Stars" is a snapshot of our time and of people who are shaping the world today, we wanted to make it as vivid as possible by telling the intriguing story behind each piece. As you move through this website you will get a glimpse into the world of each personality through their imaginary story. These are based on the answers that each celebrity gave to questions on that evocative moment of "a drink with a close friend". Witty portrait photos by Alistair Devine allow you to see the silverware in a new and highly personal context, while Shannon Toft's shots of the silver are simply outstanding. Each piece bears the hallmark of the Edinburgh Assay Office, which includes the maker's personal mark; and bears the celebrity's signature.

A nation is defined by its art. As "Silver of the Stars" tours throughout the world, it reveals the inspirational and innovative centre of excellence that is Scotland today, shaped by the honest diligence and warmth of character of her people.

Michael Laing OBE DL

Chairman