Isabella Anne Kelley’s Knotwork Vase Joins Sheffield Assay Office’s Collection
Published: 21st July 2026
Each year, Sheffield Assay Office acquires a piece from a registered Sheffield customer bearing the current date letter, making it the official Year Piece. The growing collection celebrates contemporary silversmithing and jewellery, documenting makers' creativity, technical achievement and craftsmanship. It is used for exhibitions, research, teaching and events.
For more than 30 years, Assay Master Ashley Carson has championed the next generation of silversmiths and jewellers. Many have developed their practice through Silver Space, Yorkshire Artspace's specialist silversmithing hub, which provides workshop facilities, skills training and professional development for emerging makers.
This year's acquisition is a Knotwork Vase by Isabella Anne Kelley, purchased at Goldsmiths North, the contemporary silverware and jewellery fair held in Sheffield's Cutlers' Hall. The piece marks an exciting new direction in Isabella's practice, showcasing the intricate knotwork designs she has been developing.
About Isabella Anne Kelley
A graduate of De Montfort University and Bishopsland Educational Trust, Isabella is based between South and West Yorkshire. Working from her own studio while using Silver Space's facilities, she creates silverware and sculptural jewellery inspired by architecture, geometry and historical pattern.
Isabella said:
"My work is inspired by pattern, both the construction of patterns and the pattern of making. The Knotwork Vase is an example of both. I often describe myself as a 'mathematician with a flair for silver', although perhaps 'geometrist with a flair for silver' would be more accurate.
The making of this piece relies on repetitive, almost meditative processes of saw piercing and chisel engraving. Once pierced, each ribbon-like section is scribed and chisel engraved to create the illusion that the strands weave over and under one another."
She added:
"I'm excited that my work has been acquired by Sheffield Assay Office. The Knotwork Vase, this year's Year Piece, represents a turning point in my practice and marks the beginning of my own identity and style as a silversmith.
This journey has been supported by Sheffield Assay Office and the wider community around Silver Space. I am especially grateful to Sheffield Assay Office, which has supported not just me but many silversmiths and jewellers through free registration, free hallmarking, tours of its facilities and access to its library, creating opportunities for emerging makers to develop their practice."
Rachael Dodd, Programme Producer & Silver Space Manager at YAS said:
"It's wonderful to see Isabella's Knotwork Vase become this year's Sheffield Assay Office Year Piece. Isabella has developed a distinctive voice as a silversmith during her time at Silver Space, combining technical skill with thoughtful design. This acquisition celebrates not only her achievement but also the importance of providing emerging makers with the space, support and community they need to build sustainable careers."
Ashley Carson, Assay Master and CEO, said:
"I am delighted to have acquired Isabella's Knotwork Vase for the Sheffield Assay Office collection. It is a remarkable example of contemporary British silversmithing, and I look forward to sharing it through future displays and events."
Useful Links
Contemporary Silverware & Jewellery Selling Fair-Goldsmiths North
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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