Idea to Object

Silver Speaks is a part of a programme of events created by Contemporary British Silversmiths to celebrate silver in contemporary life, in collaboration with the V&A and supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and Arts Council England. Silver Speaks: Idea to Object traces how a work in silver is brought into being from the inspiration, through sketches, models, material experimentation and construction processes, to the final piece. The selected designs in this free display at the V&A encompass a variety of beautiful and intriguing objects – both sculptural and functional – created using a range of different processes, from the traditional to the most cutting edge. 18 of Britain’s leading silversmiths, all of whom are members of Contemporary British Silversmiths, have been selected by curator and critic Corinne Julius. They will display specially commissioned works at the V&A’s Silver Galleries from 8th March 2016- 31st July 2017. Curator Corinne Julius comments: “British silversmithing is at the forefront of contemporary craft and Britain is the world’s centre for modern studio silver. Silver has become a medium of choice for the expression of ideas. Silver fell out of favour but is now being rediscovered and enjoyed by a new generation, and when Contemporary British Silversmiths asked me to curate an exhibition, I wanted to show not only what an extraordinary material silver is, with its myriad qualities, but also how silversmiths use a combination of head, heart and hands to produce their work. The idea behind the object, how that is developed, the story it tells and the processes used in its making, are inherent components of the final work.” Multidisciplinary designer and artist Marcin Rusak will work alongside Corinne Julius to design the installation