The gallery presents a collection of pewter objects and archival material divided by six eras, from the 1800s to the present day. The collection showcases the development of pewter design and craftsmanship, illustrating stages of innovation which runs alongside Kuala Lumpur’s expansion from a tin-mining town to a capital city with global aspirations.

The space features early works by Yong Koon, including Chinese altar items and household wares produced for both local and Western markets, including the famous melon-shaped teapot. Later works feature collaborations with renowned designers from Europe and Asia, as well as collaborations with Muzium Negara, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Palace Museum of Taiwan.

Compared to the larger Visitor Centre at its headquarters in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, the space at BSAS is limited, but it has made the most of it, focusing on how Royal Selangor witnessed the birth and growth of Malaysia as a nation.

“If you imagine back in 1885, when Yong Koon first arrived in Malaya from Shantou, China, there was a burgeoning Chinese community of miners and traders in Kuala Lumpur. From practical items that people needed in their daily life, like altar pieces and tea sets, to the more collectible, ornamental pieces you see today, at the gallery you can see how Royal Selangor and the life of Malaysians have changed over time,” said Yong.

Another key feature of the gallery is the interactive feature wall with 77 niches, providing an overview of pewter forms, functions and craftsmanship across different periods in the last two centuries, from antique offering dishes to pop culture collectibles.

“It takes up the whole wall from floor to ceiling, so you’d have to crane your neck to see the top. Instead, we built this roaming camera that you can move around using the control board. You can zoom in and really see the details up close with the camera,” Yong explained.