In the ‘Tin Ten Toon’ exhibition, the Dutch Silver Museum will reveal the richness of the centuries-old material pewter. From beautifully-laid tables to children’s toys: pewter is found everywhere. But is its nickname ‘poor man’s silver’ justified? And what are the differences or similarities with silver? Visit this exhibition with unique objects and stories, brought together in cooperation with the Dutch Pewter Association on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Fooled ya!

Pewter is popularly known as ‘poor man’s silver’. But until far in the 19th century, poor people could not afford pewter. This misconception was caused by the fact that some objects were made both in silver and in pewter. Moreover, for lack of money, the Dutch aristocracy largely shifted from silver tableware to a pewter variation. Nicely polished and no one would know the difference!

Pewter city jugs in Schoonhoven

The exhibition shows beautiful examples of luxury city jugs from Schoonhoven. These were used to pour wine on special occasions and only met the eyes of honoured guests of a city council. Certainly not poor people…

Rembrandt, Jan Steen and Wimbledon

The visitor goes out to explore and finds out more about the influence of famous painters, like Rembrandt and Jan Steen, on the naming of pewter jugs. How do you make pewter objects? And what does the prestigious dish for female winners of the Wimbledon tennis tournament have to do with the pewter dish made by François Briot back in the 16th century? From chamber pots and rolls of pewter from shipwrecks to pewter soldiers and medieval knights. The exhibition is a must-see for everyone who wants to (re)discover the beauty and richness of pewter.