Showcasing Sheffield Silversmiths at Jerwood Arts Fund Makers Open
Published: 14th February 2022
A collaboration by Sheffield silversmiths, Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell, is currently on display at Jerwood Space, London as part of the Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open. The exhibition is on display until the 9th April 2022 and will then tour to Newlyn Art Gallery and The Exchange in summer 2022 before travelling to Aberdeen Art Gallery in autumn 2022.
Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open presents new work by Anna Berry, Cecilia Charlton, Jahday Ford, Vicky Higginson and Sheffield’s own Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell. Showcasing a broad range of material disciplines including glass, textiles, digital modelling, silversmithing and sculptural installation; the five commissions provide a snap shot of some of the most exciting work produced by UK- based artists and makers. Curated by Harriet Cooper (Jerwood Arts) and Svetlana Panova (Aberdeen Art Gallery), the makers explore common themes across their work.
Francisca and Helena use a box of silversmithing tools as a starting point to explore the history and legacy of Sheffield Silversmithing Industry, and the makers who have been involved in it. Central to the installation is a collection of five vessels in copper and silver, made collaboratively by Francisca and Helena using some of the tools from the tools box. The display includes images and interviews with three Sheffield based silversmiths David Allison, Kurt Calow and Robert Lamb who have been part of the industry in different capacities throughout most of their careers and all registered customer of Sheffield Assay Office. Through these conversations the artists reflect on the past, present and future of silversmithing and the role of the individual maker within this.
Exchange: In conversation
Saturday 19th February at 3pm
Jerwood Space, Union Street, London, SE1 OLN
Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell discuss silversmithing traditions in Sheffield and their collaborative commission Invaluable Tool with Emma Paragreen, Curator, Librarian and Archivist for the Sheffield Assay Office and Industry and Metalwork Curator for Sheffield Museums.
The event is free to attend, however booking is required via jerwoodarts.org/exhibitionsandevents
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.
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