New Commission to be Made in Silver for Sheffield Assay Office
Published: 14th May 2021
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Each year, 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. This year the panel, made up of independent Silversmith, Bob Lamb, Jeweller, Ben Friend and representatives from Yorkshire Artspace, Sheffield Museums and Sheffield Assay Office, selected one of the designs from Georgia Clipsham.
The commission brief for 2021 was open as to the nature of the item designed and made. It could be a piece of silversmithing or jewellery, giving an even greater task to the Silversmith/Jeweller, but ultimately encouraging the Starter Studio participant to use this award as an opportunity to push their own making abilities. The commission had be original in design, showcasing the individuals' specialist silversmithing/ jewellery skills and techniques. The panel also strongly encouraged the piece to be made, in the majority, by their own hand.
Georgia’s design met all the criteria set out in the commission brief, she plans to create three functional vases inspired by Kangxi miniatures and Claudia Rankin’s ceramic caddies. Georgia’s signature chain making will feature in each of the vases along with some wonderfully large feature hallmarks.
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 short of encouragement to explore and refine new techniques, and am really excited to get stuck into this project."
Assay Master, Ashley Carson said “Georgia’s presentation was excellent, I am excited about seeing the three vases brought together with the decorative chain, and surface finishes and feature hallmarks. The Sheffield Assay Office recognises the value in commission opportunities for young silversmiths and jewellers. Since the first commission in 2004, the Office encouraged traditional skills of silversmithing be kept alive and passed between generations of metalworkers, whilst embracing new technology and the opportunities that more recent changes in hallmarking regulations allow. The commission is a wonderful opportunity to add a further piece into the collection of Sheffield Assay Office at a fascinating time in the metalworking trade - something that forms part of a timeline in hallmarking history”.
The collection of three vases will be displayed at Sheffield Museums, Millennium Gallery at the end of the year. Sheffield Assay Office look forward to bringing you updates of the progress in the coming months.
To find out more about Georgia’s work please take a look at her Instagram page:
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,
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