SAYS Arthur Gilbert: ''In collecting antique silver I apply identical methods that I use in property. I want prime locations and prime tenants!'' See the multi-million pound result in a superb exhibition, Heritage Regained: Silver from the Gilbert Collection, at the Burrell until May 31.

The Burrell's temporary space has never looked better. Incomparable examples of elaborate, sumptuous eighteenth-century silver and gilt cups, chalices, bowls, jugs, candelabra, tureens, candlesticks, sconces, ewers, baskets, tankards and wine coolers glitter and gleam - a cornucopia of treasure.

Quite breathtaking, as the litany in the comment's book testifies. ''Stunning! Remarkable! Awesome! Magnificent!'' visitors rave. The comment I like best is ''Very Versace''.

Glasgow is lucky to be first to host this display, which is touring the UK before settling in London. It includes masterpieces by Paul Stoor and Paul de Lamerie.

Gilbert, based in Los Angeles since 1949, decided in 1996 to gift his fabulous collection, not as initially arranged to LA but to London. Ironically, just like Sir William Burrell, he put certain conditions on his LA gift. When these conditions were not observed, he withdrew his treasures in favour of the UK. Fitting, indeed, that this newest major gift to the British people should make its debut housed in another major gift, which sits in a park that was also donated.

Gilbert's array provides a concise historical overview of the best of British silver from the sixteenth to nineteenth century. He began collecting silver because ''it had beauty and history combined. These objects have a delicacy and intricacy you can see for yourself''.

Arthur Gilbert began life as Arthur Bernstein - after marriage he took his wife's name for business reasons. He was born in 1913 in Golders Green, London, the fourth son of Jewish parents who arrived from Poland in 1893. His father, a wealthy furrier, was religious, remote and rigid. Arthur was packed off to boarding school at four, bawling his head off. Destined for Cambridge, on leaving school he was sent to Paris to improve his French. He didn't go to Cambridge, but at 17 met his wife-to-be Rosalinde.

Neither set of parents was pleased, but they married at 21. His father had promised to help his son with some capital. ''But he began to bargain with me. I don't negotiate, so I walked out virtually penniless. I started a dress-manufacturing business with my wife who had a talent for designing.''

They did well. Rosalinde was clearly determined and also feisty. ''She once threw an ink-stand at me for criticising a gown she was sketching! We fought like hell, but for 60 years were blissfully happy.''

Gilbert retired young to the Californian sun, but unable to relax, went into real estate, made more money, and in 1970 started collecting. His first interest was Italian mosaics. Seeing something he liked, he searched for books on mosaics. Gilbert researched this forgotten area, began buying, and now his collection rivals that of the Hermitage in St Petersburg.

Next came jewel-encrusted snuff boxes, reputed to be the world's best private cache. His silver collection began by buying things for their Beverley Hills home. He and his wife started just as silver was fast disappearing from the UK because galleries and museums were strapped for cash.

Now, with his most generous gesture, things come full circle and the world's finest collection of British silver is back in Britain. A happy ending.