Members of the silversmithing industry came together recently to celebrate the success of Contemporary British Silversmiths’ exhibition at the V&A, Fit for Purpose: a practical and conceptual exploration of silver.
Created to implement the V&A’s major exhibition, British Design 1948-2012: Innovation in the Modern Age, the display features new work by 52 of the country’s most innovative practising silversmiths and forms part of the V&A’s British Design Season.
At the event silversmith Clive Burr, Chairman of Contemporary British Silversmiths, thanked the V&A, Eric Turner, and Dr Tessa Murdoch for selecting the association to represent British design, and the Goldsmiths’ Company for its generous support of the exhibition.
H
e said, “This event marks the beginning of a range of activities the association is planning to raise the profile of British silversmithing both nationally and overseas. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the industry for its support, and the members for responding to this brief in such a creative and proactive way.”
Eric Turner, Curator at the V&A praised the association for creating a diverse and unique collection of work representative of the very best in contemporary silver.
Expressions of interest have been received by Museums across Europe and the UK with a number of sales taking place during the evening of the event.
A catalogue produced for the exhibition is on sale in the V&A bookshop or via Contemporary British Silversmiths’ website, priced £4.99.
The next event on Contemporary British Silversmiths’ calendar is Art in Action, which takes place from 19 – 22 July inclusive in Waterperry, Oxford. It will include demonstrations of silversmithing techniques alongside a unique display of contemporary silver.
