Exhibitions | Events | Conversations

March 2016 – January 2017

silverspeaks.co.uk

BUY SILVER SPEAKS CATALOGUE £3.50

Silver Speaks is a year long programme of events around the country to celebrate the exceptional level of creativity and skill in British silversmithing today. The spotlight will shine on some of the most exciting artists and designers – exploring the diverse applications of the material, from the experimental to the traditional, the sculptural to the functional. It will showcase the remarkable uses of silver and how works can be commissioned to enhance contemporary living, architecture and fashion. The programme of events has been organised by Contemporary British Silversmiths, the leading association for design-­based contemporary silver, which is sponsored by the Goldsmiths’ Company. The focus of the programme, Silver Speaks: Idea to Object and the supporting public symposium Silver in Contemporary Life, are produced in collaboration with the V&A.

Silver Speaks: ‘Idea to Object’, curated by Corinne Julius

8th March 2016 – 31st January 2017

Silver Galleries, V&A

Silver Speaks: Idea to Object traces how a work in silver is brought into being from the inspiration, through sketches, models, material experimentation and construction processes, to the final piece. The selected designs in this free display at the V&A encompass a variety of beautiful and intriguing objects – both sculptural and functional – created using a range of different processes, from the traditional to the most cutting edge.

18 of Britain’s leading silversmiths, all of whom are members of Contemporary British Silversmiths, have been selected by curator and critic Corinne Julius. They will display specially commissioned works at the V&A’s Silver Galleries from 8th March 2016 – 31st January 2017. The featured craftspeople include Rauni Higson, a former trapeze artist; Kevin Grey, a car-­maker who helped make the Sultan of Brunei’s series of unique Bentleys and Juliette Bigley, a health care manager for the NHS – who all went on to train as silversmiths. Curator Corinne Julius comments: “British silversmithing is at the forefront of contemporary craft and Britain is the world’s centre for modern studio silver. Silver has become a medium of choice for the expression of ideas. Silver fell out of favour but is now being rediscovered and enjoyed by a new generation. When Contemporary British Silversmiths asked me to curate an exhibition, I wanted to show not only what an extraordinary material silver is, with its myriad qualities, but also how silversmiths use a combination of head, heart and hands to produce their work. The idea behind the object, how that is developed, the story it tells and the processes used in its making, are inherent components of the final work.” Multidisciplinary designer and artist Marcin Rusak will work alongside Corinne Julius to design the installation. This event celebrates the joint 20th anniversaries of Contemporary British Silversmiths and the V&A’s Silver Galleries.

Silver Speaks: ‘For the Nation’

Launch of the latest commission of the Silver Trust

8th March 2016 – 31st January 2017

Silver Galleries, V&A

To celebrate 30 years of commissioning contemporary British silver for its collection, The Silver Trust will be unveiling its latest exciting commission at the V&A.  The Silver Trust, a registered UK charity, was founded in 1986 with the goal of supporting and showcasing the talented silversmiths working throughout the United Kingdom. Its work has been showcased through a loan of the collection, mostly to 10 Downing Street, where the pieces were conceived to be used for government entertaining. During the 30-­year history of the Trust, the collection has been seen around the world through a series of exhibitions. The Trust is honoured to work with many of the greatest silversmiths in building the collection and often partners with Contemporary British Silversmiths.

Silver Speaks: Make

Silversmithing Workshop

7th May 2016 Art Studio, V&A

In association with London Craft Week

Make is a one day silversmithing workshop offered to the public through the V&A’s learning events programme. Members of Contemporary British Silversmiths will give attendees the opportunity to create a small item in silver, from the design concept through to production.

Silver Speaks: ‘Form’

Exhibition

1st June – 23rd September 2016

The Goldsmiths’ Centre

Form is an exhibition of work by members of Contemporary British Silversmiths. It will complement the Silver Speaks: Idea to Object exhibition at the V&A. Makers will be showing different skills and processes through their work and exhibiting some their favourite tools and techniques. Themes will include new technologies, decorative finishes, traditional techniques and engraving.

Related Events

There will be a number of smaller related events, including selling shows at high profile retail outlets and galleries. Details to follow. There will be an opportunity for bespoke items of silver to be purchased from the V&A shop. Booking information through Silver Speaks website

Contemporary British Silversmiths introduces the inaugural Pamela Rawnsley Memorial lecture, celebrating her life and work

“INSPIRE” is the first in a series of lectures organised by Contemporary British Silversmiths in partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum to commemorate and celebrate the life and work of silversmith Pamela Rawnsley (1952 – 2014).

The work of sculptor Richard Long was a primary influence on Pamela Rawnsley’s uncompromising approach to her life and work. We are therefore delighted that Richard Long has agreed to speak at this inaugural event.

Born in Bristol, Richard Long is an internationally renowned artist who will speak about his work, which is inspired through walking in landscapes. His art focuses on mobility, lightness and freedom and the simple creative acts of walking and marking about place, locality, time, and measurement. In the gallery he uses natural found materials such as stone, driftwood and mud. He is the only artist to have been nominated for the Turner prize four times, winning in 1989.

Friday 6 March 2015  |  17:30 – 19:30  |  Tickets £9.00

The Lydia & Manfred Gorvy Lecture Theatre, Victoria & Albert Museum

The Pamela Rawnsley Memorial Fund was created by Contemporary British Silversmiths in 2015. It is designed to inspire future generations with its annual lecture series and support innovation and creativity for silversmiths to expand their skills and promote creativity.

To complement the silver theme currently on show at Belton House, this display of some 46 silver spoons has been produced especially for this exhibition by members of Contemporary British Silversmiths. The spoons showcase the diversity of skill and excellence in design of some of the best designer silversmiths working today, some of whom are represented in the Silver Trust Collection at Downing Street. All items are bespoke and are being offered for sale for the first time at an event of this kind.

Download the National Trust press release here

Silver Trust Press Release FINAL

Art in Action was founded on the simple principle that artists and craftsmen openly demonstrating and talking about their work fascinate the public. This concept runs parallel to the association’s own aspirations to raise the profile of silversmithing and attract new audiences. Central to the display will be the live creation a piece of bespoke silverware. The piece will be produced collaboratively by members of Contemporary British Silversmiths over the three-days of the event, to the 25,000 expected visitors.

Contemporary British Silversmiths will also be exhibiting work from a selection of its members alongside demonstrations of traditional silversmithing techniques including blocking a bowl, raising silver, spoon forging, chasing, engraving and many more specialist techniques.

Members demonstrating at the event include: Howard Fenn, Lucian Taylor, Stella Campion, Phil Jordan, Ragesh Gogna, Zoe Watts, Stefan Tooke, Martin Keane, Kirsty Eaglesfield, Jemma Daniels, James Dougall, Rupert Todd and Suzanne Jamieson

And exhibited pieces from the following members will include: Martyn Pugh, Julie Chamberlain, Abigail Brown, Jacqueline Scholes, Kathryn Hinton, Ben Ryan, Rupert Todd, Louise Mary Muttitt, Richard Fox, Mary Ann Simmons

“That Contemporary British Silversmiths is taking such an active part at Art in Action is cause for celebration. It’s a great opportunity for all concerned. Our current exhibition at the V&A Museum, created to complement its major exhibition, British Design 1948-2012: Innovation in the Modern Age means we have had a very busy and productive year so far and we are living up to our aim of actively promoting this wonderful craft.” said past-chair Mary Ann Simmons. The V&A display, entitled Fit for Purpose: a practical and conceptual exploration of silver forms part of the Museum’s British Design Season and continues until the end of September 2012.

Art in Action

Thursday 19th of July to Sunday 22nd of July inclusive

Waterperry House, Waterperry, Near Wheatley, Oxford, OX33 1JZ

Opening Times: 10.00am – 5.30pm each day

Inspired by the simple principle that people are fascinated when artists and craftsmen openly demonstrate their skills and discuss their work, Art in Action was born. In 1977, 51 artists and musicians took part and 14,000 visitors arrived. Today Art in Action welcomes approximately 25,000 people over four days. Visitors come to learn, buy and enjoy, the exhibitions, classes and performances of 400 demonstrating artists, designer makers, teachers, musicians and performers.

Disciplines include painting, sculpture, glass, woodwork, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and jewellery.

Website: www.artinaction.org.uk

A few weeks ago, I paid a visit to the library at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London. During my degree course I had heard about the library as a place for research and a source of images and resources. Although I have often visited the Assay Office round the back of the building, and been to various events in the Hall, I hadn’t actually crossed the threshold of the library until an invitation to pop in was given during Goldsmiths’ Fair last autumn. However this visit was cut short before I’d really begun when, embarrassingly, my mobile phone disturbed the peace and I had to make a speedy exit – the perils of leaving one’s stand unattended!

A month or two later I arranged to make a proper visit. I was travelling up to London with some Hallmarking to do and had some time to spare. Eleni Bide showed me round.

The library is situated opposite the top of the left main staircase of Goldsmiths’ Hall. It is a beautiful panelled room; bookshelves packed with historic tomes, reading tables and chairs, and the reverent quiet you might expect in a place of study. It might be a little intimidating for the cautious first-timer, but don’t let this put you off – you will be made most welcome.

The Goldsmiths’ Hall library is open to researchers and visitors from Monday – Friday from 10.00am until 4.45pm, at Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, London, EC2V 6BN.

If you would like to make an enquiry or arrange an appointment please call  0207 606 7010 or email library@thegoldsmiths.co.uk

Further details from the website: http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/thelibrary/

David Beasley and Eleni Bide are the librarians, and between them have a wealth of knowledge on the treasures that lie within. At first impression, for a contemporary silversmith, the resources may seem somewhat limited, as much of the space in the main room is taken up with the jewellery and historical silver book collections and much information on Hallmarks etc.

You may not find all the latest books or most recent gallery exhibition catalogues, but Eleni explained that it isn’t their intention to compete with the university libraries – they don’t have the space, for a start. Their niche is in giving a personal service, taking on individual inquiries and preparing material for you to come and see.

The resources available in this way are so much more than is apparent in the main room. Further through, the adjoining section has filing cabinets packed with images and press-cuttings relating to contemporary and 20^th Century makers, with biographies and details of commissions undertaken. Then, upstairs, and not generally open without prior appointment, is a series of rooms filled to the gunnels with all manner of technical books, trade publications, catalogues and subscription magazines.

In fact, the Goldsmiths’ Hall library holds largest collection of specialist jewellery, silverware and related material in the country. There are over 15,000 images of jewellery and silverware and more than 8,000 specialist books and catalogues.

(Photographic credit: Martin Stewart)

So.

If you have a commission for a traditional item – a caddy spoon, or a sugar bowl perhaps, the librarians could find for you a collection of images of historic examples to compare.

If you would enjoy browsing through design drawings of silver objects from the last century, appreciating the skills involved at the design stage, and learning more about methods of production, you could arrange a library session tailor made for you.

Or if you want find out what shows are coming up and where to sell, or would like to know what competitions you could enter, you could make an inquiry by email or phone and have some information sent to you.

Perhaps you have an interest in ethical issues relating to your work, such as ethical gold and silver or fair trade? The library has resource files on these subjects.

Eleni told me how a number of makers have approached the library about historic and/or ‘lost’ techniques, and they have been able to provide them with information allowing them to incorporate a version of these methods in their work.

I asked Eleni if she had any ‘hidden gems’ to tempt people through the door! Here’s what she said:

“I think the Library’s real ‘hidden gem’ is the level of service we provide: whether your question is about the use of silver in medicine, plate from Peru, or advice on selling your work online, we’ll be able to find a range of materials for you quickly, and have them waiting when you arrive. Difficult subjects a speciality!”

David explained how if they haven’t the immediate answers to a query, they will do their best to point you in the right direction, perhaps to another library or archive. Computer cataloguing of library’s books currently goes back to those published since 1995 and work continues to extend this further.

I asked about the possibility of arranging a group visit for Contemporary British Silversmiths to have a tour of the library, and perhaps co-ordinate a tour of the assay office at the same time. This could certainly be organised if there was interest, and we might organise this at some time, but small groups would be welcome on less formal visits, if arranged in advance and especially if there was a common area of interest for study or browsing.

I shall certainly be visiting again to dig deeper into the contents of the upstairs shelves. I shall catch up on back issues of Metalsmith magazine, ask for information on Arts & Crafts silverware and perhaps borrow a recommended video: “Silversmith of Williamsburg”: an American-made re-enactment film showing the commissioning and making of a colonial silver coffee pot!

On another note, if you happen to have a piece of your work in the Goldsmiths’ Contemporary Silver Collection, there is a file on you in the library, with your CV and image. It could be worth considering updating this from time to time with current information. Who knows who might be browsing?

SIDE x SIDE: EDGE > EDGE opened at Häme Castle in Hämeenlinna attracting vast publicity within Finland which attracted 90% more visitors than usual to see this contemporary silverware showcase.

The Castle set the scene for the wonderful work on display, complimented by beautiful historical architecture and its lakes. The private view evening attracted some of Finland’s elite, and many sponsors, all of whom made the event possible.

The Chairman, Mary Ann Simmons, formally thanked all contributors during the speeches at the opening ceremony with special thanks to Kultakeskus Oy who generously contributed 1kg of silver to all the participating makers, and The Goldsmiths’ Company, who are always on hand to promote silver. Speeches were complimented by a traditional Finnish orchestra and raspberry punch.

Many of our members were on hand to celebrate the opening along with Anne Parikka, Director of Häme Castle. Members from Contemporary British Silversmiths, the Finnish Silversmiths Association and the Lahti Design Institute were enthusiastically complimented by visitors on the broad range and high quality of works on display which were all created under one theme.

The event featured the Silver Trust’s Downing Street Collection laid out on a table as it would be at state occasions and Christopher English, Secretary of the Trust spoke to many visitors about the unique pieces on display. Also showcased were F1 trophies made by Richard Fox and generously loaned to the castle by their owners.

Contemporary British Silversmiths Showcase

Lahti Design Institute & Finnish Silversmiths Association Showcase

When the opening event ended, a formal dinner in the castle vault began, organised by Anne Parikka. A successful start to the exhibition was acknowledged and celebrated by all partnering organisations. One of our members, Rauni Higson who was born in Finland, gave a personal speech in Finnish which was greatly appreciated by all.

The next day Rauni presented a talk in Finnish at the castle about her practice. In her talk she detailed her time as a student at the Lahti Design Institute in Finland and her HE studies in the UK which formed the foundation of her successful career as a silversmith.

After the opening I took the opportunity to visit Lahti University of Applied Sciences Institute of Design. Situated approx 50 minutes north of Helsinki the institute boasts a comprehensive range of facilities for the aspiring metalworker.

I made a brief but very informative visit to Lahti, and was given a tour by Mr. Pekka Koponen, a principal lecturer on the course and also one of founders of the Finnish Silversmiths Association.

The exhibition finished in December and was put on display at Kultakeskus. There it has generated a lot of interest and sales and we’re grateful to Kultakeskus for the opportunity to exhibit in their showrooms.

We are delighted to announce that SIDE x SIDE – Edge > Edge has a confirmed UK venue at The Royal Cornwall Museum, Treffry Gallery, opening 18 September – 6 Nov 2010. Michael Galsworthy, Prime Warden of The Goldsmiths’ Company, will open the exhibition at the Private View this autumn.

We hope you will be able to take the opportunity to enjoy this silver exhibition and look forward to seeing you there.

Review written by Rajesh Gogna.

With thanks to Staffordshire University for funding his educational trip to Lahti, Finland