How might we turn water into wine? Conjure the aromas of a festive spread? «Imbibe elegantly »? One of Switzerland’s most important private collections of Baroque silver is presented to the public for the first time in this special exhibition. A fascinating insight into the sheer variety of drinking vessels, their manufacture and use, it reveals that for all the differences, there are also parallels between imbibing today and imbibing 300 years ago.

Sailing ships filled with wine that «sail» across the table, Sturzbecher fitted with windmills and blowpipes, «miracle» wine cups and lidded jugs for up to 2.5 litres of warm beer – they are all vivid and entertaining testimonials to past drinking customs. These artfully designed silver vessels also tell of the functions for which they were made and their role as prestige objects. Another highlight is the silversmith’s workbench that helps to explain how these beautifully hand-crafted objects were made.

The over 150 silver vessels from the 16th to 18th century – among them many that are unique – are of an elegance that ennobles the act of imbibing. The exhibition thus sheds light on the many different facets of Baroque silverware and the cultural history of carousing.

The private Basel collection is published for the first time in the accompanying catalogue, a lavishly illustrated work published by the Christoph Merian Verlag.

The exhibition and catalogue were made possible thanks to the generous support of the collector.

The exhibition will be flanked by an extensive programme of events and can be experienced with the aid of an eGuide in German, English and French.