Silver teapots by designer silversmith Cameron Maxfield unveiled at Millennium Gallery, Museums Sheffield
Published: 12th April 2019
Cameron Maxfield (Max) is a master of his craft with a vast knowledge of traditional skills and a meticulous attention for detail. His work reflects his keen eye for contemporary design and employment of alternative methods and materials. He has a personal passion for the teapot, returning to and experimenting with the form over many years, whilst always ensuring the teapots retain an intrinsic functionality.
Max attended the Royal College of Art from 1967 to 1970 and has maintained his own practice alongside other teaching commitments throughout his career. He taught for 28 years at Sheffield Hallam University on the Metalwork and Jewellery course before becoming Technical Skills and Design Mentor for Yorkshire Artspace Starter Studio Programme for emerging silversmiths. His dedication to passing on skills to a next generation was recognised when he won the prestigious Marsh Craft Trainer Award.
In 2008 Max won the Museums Sheffield: National Metalwork Award for his highly innovative and contemporary Britannia Silver hand-raised Teabag Teapot, currentlyon display in the nearby Metalwork Gallery.
All of Max’s teapots have been hallmarked at the Sheffield Assay Office, where he has had a registered sponsors mark for almost 50 years. Assay Master, Ashley Carson has been delighted to loan his teapot for the display, this was presented to Ashley Carson to mark his 25th anniversary as Assay Master in 2018.
Sheffield Assay Office, Yorkshire Artspace and Museums Sheffield are delighted to have been able to work with Max and share some of his work in this engaging way. The display is in place in the Avenue of Museums Sheffield, Millennium Gallery, until 22nd July 2019.
“It is not just within craft practice that Cameron is a leader, his design principles have always been forward thinking, leading the way for significant numbers of designer makers, spanning several generations. Many renowned Silversmiths, Jewellers and Product Designers will have Cameron’s approach as a foundation of their own.” - Chris Knight, Guardian of the Sheffield Assay Office
“Visitors can see or read what they like into my work, be intrigued or amused any response is ok” - Cameron Maxfield
To find out more about the whole range of Services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact.
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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