Georgia's Gleaming Commission for Sheffield Assay Office
Published: 19th January 2022
Each year the Sheffield Assay Office offers a commission opportunity to emerging silversmiths in their second year of the Starter Studio Programme for Designer Silversmiths and Jewellers at Yorkshire Artspace. In 2021, the panel made up of independent silversmith, Bob Lamb, Jeweller, Ben Friend and representatives from Yorkshire Artspace, Museums Sheffield and Sheffield Assay Office, Chairman, Assay Master and Curator selected a beautiful design of three silver vases by Georgia Clipsham.
The brief for 2021 was to create a piece of work that would push their own making abilities. Georgia’s presentation was most impressive and showed an ambitious and creative commission. Georgia’s functional vases were inspired by Kangxi miniatures and Claudia Rankin’s ceramic caddies and the design incorporates Georgia’s signature chain making. The pieces are made of sterling silver, each vase has a variety of surface finishes and have subtly placed laser hallmarks on each vessel.
Speaking of the commission, Georgia said:
"I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to have been awarded this prestigious commission. The past year has challenged us all but through the continued support of Yorkshire Artspace, Sheffield Assay Office and the technical team, I’m never been short of encouragement to explore and refine new techniques. I am really excited to have completed the commission and looking forward to seeing it on display in 2022."
-(002).jpg)
Our Assay Master, Ashley Carson said ‘The Precious Little Gems 2021 commission is wonderfully creative and a testament to Georgia’s hard work and dedication to her practice. I hope the display of her work brings interest from the public and future commissioning opportunities and we are delighted to have a piece of this calibre in our collection’.
Georgia’s’ work is currently at Sheffield Assay Office and will go on display at Sheffield Museums, Millennium Gallery in May 2022.
Photo Credit: Jerry Lampson
To find out more about Georgia’s work and the organisations involved in the commission take a look at the following link:
Sheffield Museums - Millenium Gallery
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us,
Sign up here to all the latest news from Sheffield Assay Office direct to your inbox