Silver as a Canvas: A New Work for the Collection
Published: 24th September 2026
Sheffield Assay Office is delighted to welcome a new piece into its collection, generously donated by Morvarid Alavifard, a Silver Fellow at Silver Space, Yorkshire Artspace.
Pearly Whisper III, 2026 is a limited-edition blue intaglio print by printmaker Neil Woodall, taken from an original silver engraving by Morvarid.
Morvarid is a multidisciplinary precious metal artist whose work explores freedom, identity and self-expression.
As Morvarid explains:
“I turn to silver as a diary. The Whisper of Freedom series began with freehand engraving on a flat sheet of Britannia silver. I use symbols inspired by historical art, artefacts and architectural décor that conflict with the enforced political and social rules of Iran.”
The engraved silver is then used to create an intaglio print before Morvarid transforms the metal into a three-dimensional form, further embellishing it with gold and pearls.
Her time in Sheffield has also given her a new appreciation of hallmarking:
“When I first joined as a Silver Fellow, I was a little sceptical of the hallmark, but I have become converted. I can see the huge value and significance in the hallmarking system.”
We are pleased to add Pearly Whisper III to the Sheffield Assay Office collection and to support contemporary makers working with precious metals.
Morvarid Alavifard - Goldsmiths' Fair
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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