In conversation | Friday 9 October 2020 | 18:30 | Online Talk

We were immensely proud to hold an exclusive interview with founder member of Contemporary British Silversmiths and former Chair, Richard Fox during London Craft Week 2020.

You can watch the interview here

Richard Fox is one of the UK’s leading silversmiths and is currently Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of the most prestigious positions in the precious metals industry, as well as being an active member of Contemporary British Silversmiths, serving as Chair from 1999 to 2002. He has been at the forefront of the industry throughout his career, driving it forward and creating unique opportunities to showcase British silver internationally.

As managing director of Fox Silver, he has created work for a huge variety of corporate, public sector, private and motorsports clients, including Downing Street, Lambeth Palace, Bulgari, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Pernod Ricard and F1, to name a very select few.

In this up close and personal interview, silversmith and former Chair of Contemporary British Silversmiths, Angela Cork gave a glimpse into Richard’s career from graduating from the Royal College of Art, to establishing his business and how he helped to found Contemporary British Silversmiths in 1995. The talk explored his design aesthetic, the importance of the hallmark and what has inspired his interest in silver for so many years.

This event has been generously supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office.

London Craft Week will take place from 30 September – 8 October. In the lead up to the festival London Craft Week will be offering a glimpse into what to expect this autumn with a Virtual Preview that includes exclusive online masterclasses, demonstrations, conversations and product launches, as well as virtual behind-the-scenes exhibition, studio and workshop tours.

The Virtual Preview reflects LCW’s ambition to celebrate exceptional creativity and craftsmanship from around the world. From household names to those less well known, its aim is to shine a spotlight on ‘unsung creative heroes’. LCW tells the stories behind some of the world’s most beautiful objects – the material, the maker, the process and the inspiration.

Jessica Jue is an exciting emerging silversmithing brand and graduate member of Contemporary British Silversmiths. She reinvents traditional techniques in silver to craft elegantly beautiful contemporary designs that have won her many accolades, including three silver awards at the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council. Inspired by balance and harmony, Jue draws and sculpts with dramatic use of fluid and organic playful curves and aims to create a sense of rhythmic movement within her collection. She skilfully manipulates her forms through the ancient art of hammering, while also introducing and abundance of rich surface textures, through the use of pattern and gold. Important commissions have included a silver centrepiece for the National Museum of Scotland and the P&O Makower Trust.

Contemporary British Silversmiths, the leading association for contemporary silver in the United Kingdom, is a membership organisation set up to inspire creativity and promote excellence in design and craftsmanship to new audiences nationally and internationally. Alongside promoting the work of its members, its worldwide community of makers are recognised for helping one another develop and the association aims to create a virtuous circle of skills transfer to protect and pass on skills for the future while showcasing how silver is relevant to contemporary life. Through its work, Contemporary British Silversmiths has partnered and collaborated with many organisations including the V&A, the Goldsmiths’ Company, the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Bonhams, Christies and Georg Jensen.

Augustus Brandt Gallery in Petworth from 16 November 2019 to 05 January 2020 in partnership with Contemporary British Silversmiths

Augustus Brandt Gallery is very proud and excited to announce the launch of ‘Living Silver’, an exhibition dedicated to revealing the highly creative and technically skilled work of British silversmiths today, in partnership with Contemporary British Silversmiths (CBS). Britain leads the field in contemporary silversmithing in design and manufacture, and this exhibition will present a glimpse of some of this creativity. It will show how both contemporary and traditional homes can be enhanced by a beautiful piece of silver, handmade by a skilled silversmith and create the heirlooms of the future within the context of the home.

The silversmiths represented, many of whom have won multiple awards, are all members of CBS, the leading association for contemporary silver in the U.K. Uniquely for an exhibition of this kind, silver will be displayed both in cabinets and within the setting of the elegant Augustus Brandt interiors, providing a special opportunity to see how silver stands out in a home setting. The members represented have been hand-picked from across the country, with many makers represented in national collections and collected by private individuals and celebrities alike.

Alongside the exhibition, there will be limited edition silver Christmas tree decorations available to buy from the Augustus Brandt retail outlet. Each of these pieces are handmade in solid silver and bear the hallmark of one of Britain’s four assay offices. Designed as unique and special gifts, they can be used as Christmas decorations or given as christening and wedding presents. CBS has been producing this annual collection since 2002 and these pieces represent the wide variety of skills and techniques within the membership. Some pieces are hand hammered while others are decoratively embellished with materials such as shagreen and gold plate.

On Saturday 16 November Augustus Brandt will launch the exhibition with an opportunity for visitors to ‘Meet the Makers’. A discussion with Chair of Contemporary British Silversmiths and exhibitor, Angela Cork, will provide insight into their craft in the 21st Century and will be followed by demonstrations of some of the different skills and techniques at the workbench.

ABOUT AUGUSTUS BRANDT

A jewel in Petworth’s crown, destination store and gallery Augustus Brandt offers an impressive setting within the inspirational surroundings of the Grade II listed, Newlands House. With over 17 rooms to explore, you can discover a carefully curated selection of objects, bridging antique and contemporary furniture, artworks, photography and collectables. Be sure to also visit the new lifestyle shop by Augustus Brandt which recently opened in the main town square.

Situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Petworth is one of Britain’s most attractive market towns, offering visitors a quintessentially English country escape. From beautiful walks in Petworth park, excursions and independent shopping experiences, to the exciting year-round calendar of events, Petworth is the cultural centre of the West Sussex countryside.

Highlights of the exhibition include works from the following silversmiths:

With new work from many of the UK’s leading silversmiths and enamellers, and over 250 fabulous pieces of contemporary jewellery on show, John Higgins – founder of the Contemporary Silver Gallery – gets his 9th Summer Exhibition in Lindfield underway in June.

“It’s such a pleasure and privilege for us to be able to bring together in Lindfield, such a wonderful and diverse range of contemporary silver and jewellery, from every part of the UK, by the very best designer/makers, and to finally see pieces which we commissioned in 2016/17 in preparation for this exhibition, finally come to fruition”, says event organiser John Higgins.

“We have commissioned new work from 5 fantastic silversmiths specifically for this exhibition, including several enamelled pieces from Jane Short” John explains “and we are particularly delighted to welcome back Kevin Grey, who first exhibited here in 2010, and has subsequently gone on to win the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company Award, no less than three times since. Kevin’s ground breaking and exciting modernist work combines cutting edge modern technology with traditional silversmithing techniques, and is quite exceptional.”

Over 30 silversmiths will show their work at this year’s exhibition.

“Whilst we initially focussed just on contemporary silver” says John, “the inclusion of contemporary jewellery into the exhibition has proved exceptionally popular, and this year we are welcoming back seven Jewellery Designer/Makers who have exhibited with us before, and a further three Designer/Makers who are exhibiting with us for the first time – but who produce really exciting jewellery. We are very pleased to welcome back Jane Adam, Kayo Saito, Jane Macintosh and Lucy Martin – all of whom have regularly exhibited with us, and their designs are particularly popular with our Customers.”

John is working closely with Contemporary British Silversmiths during this exhibition. Contemporary British Silversmiths was launched in 1996 to give voice to a new generation of silversmiths, and most of the exhibitors are part of this group. “Part of our support towards the association is to provide space to silversmiths at the start of their career, where they can exhibit pieces, and I urge you to look at the pieces they have produced – you will be amazed! “Everybody is very welcome to come to the Exhibition” says John, “but we do ask that you plan your visit, and give us a call or email beforehand, so we know when you are coming”

A spectacular exhibition not to be missed.

For further information visit the John Higgins website

Jane Short, one of Britain’s leading artist enamellers, demonstrates hand engraving and how she prepares the surface of silver with intricate pattern and texture before applying enamel.

Miriam Hanid is a leading artist silversmith, who employs the decorative techniques of chasing and engraving as a focal point in her work, adding form and light to her creations and their surfaces. She demonstrates hand engraving on a silver tumbler, giving the audience an insight into the life of a silversmith and the bespoke nature of her handcrafted commissions.

Demonstration, 9 May 11:00 — 16:00

V&A Website Link

Press Release

Booking Details
Booking not necessary, free

Room 66
Silver Discovery Area, Silver Galleries
V&A
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 2RL

Google map

vam.ac.uk

For the first time in the race’s history, Randox Health will create a unique trophy each year by a contemporary silversmith, thanks to the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Curatorial Department. Miniature versions of the trophy will also be presented to the jockey, trainer and groom. Over the next two weeks, a series of teaser images will be revealed, leading to up the grand unveil at the Weights Evening Reception on February 14th, Valentine’s Day.  ITV, the new broadcasting partner for the RHGN, says this a fitting tribute to the new era of the Randox Health Grand National. The piece has been carefully hallmarked by the Goldsmiths’ Company’s London Assay Office.

In advance of the annual Weights Reception, over the next 14 days a series of images from the trophy will be released before the grand unveiling at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Founder and Managing Director of Randox Health, commented;

“Given that the Randox Health Grand National is such an iconic event it is fitting that each winner will receive an inimitable trophy; their own unique piece of history. To win this event, given the demanding nature of the course and the quality of the competition, requires preparation, stamina, skill and teamwork of the very highest standard. There is no other race in the world like this and we want to ensure the winner’s trophy, which will change each year, reflects the status of the achievement.”

The trophy has been created at workshops at the magnificent Burghley House in Stamford by silversmith Shannon O’Neill, who described the silver 2017 trophy as an ornate work of art, laced with images depicting the speed, agility and excitement of jump racing, and decorated with a red stone.

Shannon commented;

“I’m incredibly honoured to have been given the opportunity to design and create a piece of art as important as the trophy for the Randox Health Grand National. Meeting the Randox requirement has been an exciting challenge – the brief was ambitious and we’re all delighted with the final outcome. That this is a unique piece makes it even more special. I look forward to its unveil in February and additionally to seeing the next four trophy designs over the coming years.”

Additionally, for the first time in history, each member of the winning team, made up of owner, trainer, jockey and groom will receive their own version of the trophy, a decision about which Ed Chamberlin, Lead Racing Presenter for ITV is delighted;

“Nothing comes close to the immense amount of passion, dedication, and teamwork that goes in to preparing for these big races, and for the biggest race of all, the Randox Health Grand National. From the stable staff in the yard to the punter at the bookies, the jockey training for the race of his life to the ground staff tending to the racecourse and the fences, in racing everyone has a very important role to play, whether that’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes. So I’m thrilled that Randox Health is paying tribute to the fact that the contributions of each member of the winning team are equally important.”

He added;

“For ITV it’s exciting to have an ambitious and innovative partner in the form of Randox Health for the world’s greatest race. Everything we do as racing broadcaster is about making the sport much more accessible and engaging with the public, and the revamping of the Randox Health Grand National trophy with this fun, teasing roll-out is a perfect launch for this.”

Receptive Vessels is a new body of work developed for Collect Spotlight and presented by Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery.

The installation of ten vessels on stilts explores the relationship between the spectator and a potentially sentient object through a sensitive and surprising interaction. The viewers are encouraged to speak or even sing – in order to trigger the vessels’ reaction through gentle movement and sound. It suggests a playful interpretation of museum displays, an experience that is an antidote to the traditionally hushed gallery environment.

This experimental display was developed in collaboration with sound specialists John Henry’s Ltd

This showcase at Contemporary Applied Arts makes it possible to appreciate the interconnections and interactions between the varied work Craxford produces. Precision and fine craftsmanship are in abundance in the pieces here, which span Craxford’s rich and long career and reflect his varied interests. Alan was made a Freeman of the City of London on his 70th Birthday in November 2016.

Images: (left to right) Black Lightening Pendant, Sol and Luna Vases, both by Alan Craxford. Photos by Simon Armitt

Silver: Light and Shade will explore the different processes used by silversmiths to create a range of surface textures and patterns, highlighting the continuity between the techniques used for centuries and those used today. Showcasing the work of skilled contemporary makers alongside masterpieces made over the last 500 years, the exhibition will consider what inspires commissions and how different artists approach them to create extraordinary and unusual objects. It will place extraordinary objects of the past in context, highlighting silver’s enduring appeal in surprising ways.

Heat, chemistry and light are at the heart of any work in metal. Silver: Light and Shade will investigate the experimental techniques used to transform the colour of silver, from patination to mixing this precious metal with other chemical compounds. Gilding is one of the major transformations of much historic silver, both denying and celebrating the silver body. The desire for showy and rich decoration was typical of 19th-century collectors like Sir William Holburne, and this exhibition will explore the thinking behind the use of gilding on silver’s bright and radiant surface.

The exhibition will reintroduce this lustrous material to a wide audience by telling a creative visual story. The exhibition brings together around 70 historic and contemporary masterpieces in silver from UK collections including the V&A, the Ashmolean Museum, Temple Newsam, the Royal Collection, the National Museum of Wales and Goldsmiths’ Company, as well as the Holburne Museum’s own collection.

Image: ‘Tectonic Beakers’ by Malcolm Appleby and Jane Short. Collection: The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths