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Current Exhibits
at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Declarations of Independence
This exhibition features five copies of the famous document printed in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Printers competed to produce copies that would allow every household to own a copy of the Declaration. In 1823, an official version was created by William Stone and presented to the few remaining signers of the original Declaration as well as many government officials. Today, only about 30 of the original 200 copies survive. This exhibition was made possible by a gift from Valerie and Barry Boone and family. Learn more about the Declaration of Independence. Through December 2010.
Conservation: Where Art and Science Meet
This exhibition presents a different way of looking at museum objects. Visitors will discover what is harmful to objects and what preserves them. Before an object is shown, conservators investigate each piece with a variety of fascinating techniques to understand the object and ensure its preservation for the future. This exhibition was made possible in part by: The Stone Family Fund, Los Angeles, Calif., and The Friends of Heritage Preservation, Los Angeles, Calif. Through May 31, 2012.
Pottery With a Past: Stoneware in Early America
This exhibition presents ceramics made in England, Germany, and early America. A wide array of stoneware vessels for drinking, dining, and storage was available in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. This exhibition features forms ranging from utilitarian jugs to decorative teapots used by Americans from the time of the first settlement to 1800. This exhibition was made possible by a gift from the Richard C. von Hess Foundation. Through January 2, 2011.
Quilted Fashions
This exhibition explores the use of quilting to decorate bed coverings, clothing, and accessories of the 17th and 18th centuries. See detailed drawings of elaborate quilting patterns that often are obscured by the technique's subtlety. Stomachers and petticoats worn with costly gowns, men’s elaborate waistcoats, and counterpanes on the finest beds all are featured. This exhibition was made possible by a grant from Mary and Clinton Gilliland of Menlo Park, California through the Turner-Gilliland Family Fund. Through October 2010.
American Furniture: From Virginia to Vermont
This exhibition in the Elizabeth Ridgely and Miodrag Blagojevich Gallery highlights pieces from three regions: Eastern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New England. While early furniture forms and styles from these areas were similar during the late 17th through the early 19th centuries, the interpretation and the popularity of designs varied due to differences in local economies, trade settlement patterns, and the religious and cultural backgrounds of the inhabitants. A section on painted furniture further demonstrates regional styles and decorative influences. Through March 6, 2011.
Treasure Quest: Great Silver Collections from Colonial Williamsburg
This exhibition in the Mary Jewett Gaiser Gallery displays selections from the Foundation’s vast collection of 18th-century British silver. The collection has grown through generous gifts from collectors of everything from lavish silver-plated dining wares to striking Scottish tea wares to exquisite nutmeg graters. Ongoing exhibit.
Identifying Ceramics: The Who, What and Ware
This exhibition takes a closer look at the production and decoration of ceramic wares of the eighteenth century. Find out the difference between stoneware, earthenware and porcelain and discover how ornament was created or applied. Ongoing exhibit.
Musical Instruments
An exhibition of two types of keyboard musical instruments. The 1762 harpsichord made by Jacob Kirckman of London makes its sound by plucking the strings. An 1806 grand piano by John Broadwood and Sons, also of London, sounds by means of hammers that strike the strings. These makers were the most celebrated in England and America when these two superlative instruments were made. Both instruments are in good playing order and are used for programs in the Hennage Auditorium. Ongoing exhibit.
Pounds, Pence and Pistareens: The Coins and Currency of Colonial America
Visitors can discover what sorts of money was in the pockets and wallets of our colonial ancestors in this exhibition. While most coins were foreign, images struck into them range from wild hogs to pine trees to elephants. Paper money was also used in the colonies and came in various shapes, denominations and colors. Along the way, visitors learn about cobs, pistareens, farthings, pieces of eight and gold doubloons. The exhibition highlights the generosity of Joseph R. and Ruth P. Lasser of New York, who have amassed a collection of several thousand pieces, most of which are now in the collections of Colonial Williamsburg, and seen here for the first time. Through October 3, 2010.
Selections from the Henry H. Weldon Collection
This exhibition in the Henry H. Weldon Gallery features a few select pieces from the collection of more than 725 pieces of 18th-century British pottery donated to Colonial Williamsburg by Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Weldon. Ongoing exhibit.
Lock, Stock, and Barrel
This exhibition is an outstanding display of military and civilian weapons exploring muzzle-loading firearms, ignition systems, and the evolution of the standing British infantry musket before 1800. Ongoing exhibit.
Artistry and Ingenuity
This exhibition looks at colonial kitchen equipment from an aesthetic and practical viewpoint, highlighting its beauty and utility. Ongoing exhibit.
Revolution in Taste
This exhibition dazzles with rich and colorful choices in table and tea wares available to 18th-century British and American consumers. Expanding world trade and strengthening industry put a teapot on every table -- until tea became a symbol of protest in the American Revolution. Ongoing exhibit.
Masterworks
This exhibition features splendid examples of British and American antiques from 1660 to 1820, including a sterling silver chandelier made for King William III and Charles Willson Peale's portrait of George Washington as commander of the American forces during the Revolution. Ongoing exhibit.
Historic Triangle
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