Inspired by Edward C. Moore of Tiffany & Co.

The Pioneering Designer and Prolific Collector Who Led Tiffany & Co. to Creative and Commercial Success

Edward C. Moore (1827–1891), a silversmith, designer, and prodigious collector, was the creative leader who brought Tiffany & Co. to unparalleled originality and success during the late nineteenth century. This informative, richly illustrated volume—the first study of Moore's life and influence—presents more than 175 examples from his vast collection, ranging from Greek and Roman glass to Spanish vases, Islamic metalwork, and Japanese textiles. These are juxtaposed with sixty-nine magnificent silver objects created by the designers and artisans at Tiffany who were inspired by Moore's acquisitions.

The illuminating texts have been enriched by groundbreaking research into newspapers, periodicals, the Tiffany & Co. Archives, a newly identified technical manual, and supervisor's diaries, all of which provide an intimate look at the firm's design processes and Moore's role in shaping them. A valuable contribution to the history of American decorative arts, Collecting Inspiration illuminates the legendary Tiffany aesthetic and the legacy of a significant collector, designer, and entrepreneur of the Gilded Age.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press, this volume accompanies an exhibition that will be presented at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition will showcase the remarkable collection of Edward C. Moore and the impact it had on the design and success of Tiffany & Co. during the late nineteenth century.

The first publication to examine the pioneering designer and prolific collector who led Tiffany & Co. to creative and commercial success, this book offers a comprehensive and captivating exploration of Moore's life, his extraordinary collection, and his pivotal role in shaping the iconic Tiffany brand. Through detailed research and stunning visuals, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the Gilded Age's decorative arts and the enduring influence of this remarkable individual.

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