The range of exhibits starts with knives of Neolithic flint and Egyptian copper, moves on to Roman ‘Swiss army knives’ and medieval daggers for eating and fighting. These are followed up by decoratively handled
sets from Stuart England, pistol-grip scimitar-bladed Georgian cutlery, flamboyant Victorian manufacturing and modern designs.
There will also be complete table recreations and place settings, with porcelain, glass and napery, as well as food, plus colourful engravings featuring cutlery. The exhibition will also show the history of design and fashions in cutlery, including adaptations for travelling and campaigns, and there is one ingenious folding cutlery set that includes a nutmeg container and grater.
The exhibition at York is open from 11am-5pm, Thursday to Saturday, and from 1.30-5pm on Sunday, with guided tours at 11am and 2pm on Fridays only. Further details from Fairfax House on 01904 655543.
Rich pickings at the table
UK: CUTTING EDGE is the title of a major cutlery exhibition opening at Fairfax House in Castlegate, York, on September 1. The display, which will remain on show until December 30, before moving to the Millennium Galleries in Sheffield and then, in March next year, the Geffrye Museum in London, covers “5000 years of man and knife”.
