British Silver Week 2010 (BSW) - Silversmiths honoured for dazzling works

Published: 7 May 2010
by EMMIE SINMAZ

SOME of Britain’s most talented silversmiths have been honoured at an awards ceremony held in the Pangolin Gallery at Kings Place, to mark the launch of British Silver Week 2010 (BSW). 

The Goldsmiths’ Company, lead patron of BSW, has supported young people entering the industry as trainees since 1334, through apprenticeships and ­other trade training and development programmes.

Goldsmiths’ director of technology and training, Peter Taylor, said apprenticeships are fundamental in “maintaining the highest levels of craft within the in­dustry.” 

He added: “Today’s apprentices will be future masters and therefore continue an unbroken tradition going back to the company’s beginning in the 14th century.”

Every year, an average of five apprenticeships take place and focus on the development of craft and technical skills appropriate to the modern industry.

These are gained over a three to five year period of training with a Master and their company, which the Goldsmiths’ Company support financially. 

At the BSW launch in King’s Cross, 17 silversmiths were awarded training and funding by leading names in the industry, including, Lawrence Bishop – who won a one-week silversmithing workshop experience courtesy of Hamilton & Inches – and Ben Ryan and Adi Toch, who were awarded two-day practical precious metal casting courses by Merrell Casting Co Ltd.

BSW also awarded two-day courses focusing on business plans, sales and marketing to Charlotte Tollyfield, Esther Lord, James Dougall, Jemma Daniels, Miriam Hanid, Shona Marsh and Victoria Coleman.

BSW managing director, Gordon Hamme, said: “BSW takes craftsmen and women to the next stage – which is the marketing and selling of their work. 

“We are able to do this by introducing them to galleries and shops around the country – and this is why The Goldsmiths’ Company are so interested and supportive of the work that we do.”

British Silver Week 2010 takes place between June 7-14 and will include 16 selling exhibitions across the UK, where more than 80 contemporary silversmiths will showcase their work. 

The Goldsmiths’ Company is also the driving force behind London Jewellery Week 2010, which coincides with British Silver Week.