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| While attending a conference at the Rhode
Island School of Design in Providence, I took the opportunity to explore the
school's art museum. To my surprise I came across a group of beer steins that
any stein lover in New England (or anywhere else, for that matter) would enjoy
seeing.
In the main area of the museum, among the paintings and other works of art, there were two steins: One was an interesting old faience, with a primitive rendition of a palm tree. The second one, stated to date from the 1500's, was only 4 or 5 inches high, with worn yellow glaze and a flat gold-colored tin-like lid. (The museum catalog describes the former, while a reference sheet at the exhibit gives information about the latter.) However, in the museum wing housing early American furniture and artifacts, you immediately spot two cupboards filled with the works of early American silversmiths. Included are about a dozen silver tankards, even one made by Paul Revere. Two of the tankards have leather-covered sides, while another has a wooden body with a silver lid and base. This is a good opportunity for anyone interested in American silver tankards to see the handiwork of some of the silversmiths whose names can be found in the history books. (To my knowledge, all of the above steins and tankards are part of the museum's permanent display.) The Museum of Art is located at 224 Benefit Street, Providence, Rhode Island. It is open every day but Monday: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:30-5:00, Thursdays noon to 8:00, Sundays 2:00 to 5:00. [At the time this was written] admission is $1.00 for adults, less for senior citizens and children, but voluntary donations are welcome. Saturdays are free, and group rates are available. An interesting and pleasant place for a chapter outing. |
