British Silversmiths to stage show at Victoria and Albert Museum
LONDON, March 25, 2012 – Contemporary British Silversmiths said it has been invited by the Victoria and Albert Museum to create a display to complement its exhibition, British Design 1948-2012: Innovation in the Modern Age.
The show will run from 30 March to 16 September, 2012.
Part of the V&A’s British Design Season, Contemporary British Silversmiths has been chosen to represent the state of the art in contemporary silverware and this showcase will take an imaginative look at the theme Fit for Purpose.
Fifty two established and up-and-coming silversmiths from around the UK will be creating unique work on the theme of Fit for Purpose: a practical and conceptual exploration of silver, which will be exhibited within the Museum’s Silver Galleries and is supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company.
In addition, all work will bear the new Diamond Jubilee commemorative hallmark which will be struck only during 2012, alongside the 2012 UK hallmark, making these objects historically significant and collectable.
The exhibition will take an imaginative look at the idea of ‘Fit for Purpose’.
Each object’s function will be explored through the medium of silver, both practical and conceptual, with each piece described by its purpose.
The display will include work by some of the best practising British silversmiths today.
Exhibiting alongside established members of the association, many of whom are represented in national collections, 13 new graduates will be displaying their work in this showcase of contemporary design.
Contemporary British Silversmiths has long supported the next generation of silversmiths through its mentoring scheme.
Upon joining, new graduate members are offered a mentor as their first point of contact and are actively encouraged to seek new skills by consulting with other members on either a one-to-one workshop basis or via telephone or email.
