British Silver Week

British Silver Week is in its third year. This year’s launch will take place on 27 April 2010 at the Pangolin Gallery, London, to be opened by Lord Cunliffe, Past Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company.

There will be more than 15 selling exhibitions across the UK which launch on the 7 June 2010. Over 100 contemporary silversmiths will be showing their work ranging from the brilliant silversmith-enameller Fred Rich, to the latest newly-qualified silversmiths from Britain’s finest arts universities.

Modern silversmithing in the UK is enjoying a renaissance unparalleled since the 18th century. Contemporary design in silverware is crossing the boundaries between art and functionality – stylish, statement pieces of silverware that reflect modern living. Visitors to exhibitions will have the unique opportunity to ask silversmiths and retailers questions about the specialist and technical art of silversmithing, and most of the pieces on display will be available for purchase.

Three exciting contemporary silversmiths have been chosen to be the ambassadors of British Silver Week in 2010; Olivia Lowe, Theresa Nguyen and Clare Ransom. All agree that it is the joy of making a beautiful piece that inspires them to create in one of the most precious of metals – silver.

“It’s the enjoyment of sitting back and looking at a finished silver piece. And then it comes to life with flowers,” says Olivia Lowe. Recently qualified from the Royal College of Art, Olivia became excited by interesting forms, design and a love of making. “I use photography first and then start sketching.” Her father was a keen gardener and Olivia was drawn to the perfect mathematical forms of dahlias and chrysanthemums. “Beauty is in the detail, a very small difference can make visual sense.”

Theresa Nguyen has a passion for making and she says that working in silver is a real adventure. She says: “Directly hammering and manipulating silver enables forms to be organically evolved. The objects should invite people to enjoy both tactile and visual experiences.” Her small beakers have a playfulness about them, while her most recent work is highly influenced by natural form and in particular leaf forms of Camellia Japonicas, resulting in elegant vases and bowls.

Clare Ransom is in her second career, having qualified originally as a woodwind instrument maker. Following her Bachelor of Arts qualification in Metalwork & Jewellery, Clare has enjoyed a meteoric rise, winning the New Designers Goldsmiths’ Company Award and prestigious awards at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards, which recognises excellence in craftsmanship and design. “The passion is in the material; there is something in the quality of fine silver. The metal itself is fluid and malleable. This is not so much an intellectual exercise but an artistic one. There is great beauty in the world and I seek to reflect it.”

Exhibitions will be held at a range of venues, from London to Edinburgh and Oxford to Sheffield. In Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter St Paul’s Gallery will host a display work from leading silversmiths as part of British Silver Week 2010. Theresa Nguyen will be providing a stunning centrepiece. Other silversmiths participating include Andrew MacGowan, LJ Millington, Louise Chesshire, Martyn Pugh, Rachel Gogerly and Ryan McClean.

This exhibition, jointly sponsored by the Birmingham Assay Office, St Paul’s Gallery and The PMC Studio, will take place from 7 to 27 June, giving the general public the rare opportunity to see – and buy – exciting, contemporary pieces of exquisite silverware.

BJA National Committee Member Martyn Pugh said of British Silver Week "The incomparable depth of skill in British design and craftsmanship will once again be presented nationally during BSW. This annual event showcases the best design-led silversmithing talent through retailers nationally and is exposing a new audience to this increasingly vibrant craft."