Invaluable Tool history, repair and collaboration by Francisca Onumah and Helena Russell is just one of the five makers work displayed as part of the Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open currently on display at Jerwood Space, London.

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.

Helena Russell andFrancisca Onumah

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. Show casing 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. The makers explore common themes across their work. Curated by Harriet Cooper (Jerwood Arts) and Svetlana Panova (Aberdeen Art Gallery).

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 so 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.

‘A Marvel to Behold’: Gold and Silver at the Court of Henry VIII

Sumptuous Summits: the meetings of Henry VIII and Francis I

The Silver Society is delighted to share the video of this Zoom Lecture with everyone.
Dr Timothy Schroder gave this fascinating, live lecture twice in June, due to popular demand. The lecture celebrates the 500th anniversary of the start of the famous meeting of Henry VIII and Francis I at the Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520. Please click on this link to view.

To buy a copy of Timothy Schroder’s book, ‘A Marvel to Behold’: Gold and Silver at the Court of Henry VIII please click on this link: https://boybrew.co/Marvel