LONDON.- The Goldsmiths’ Centre presents Made for the Table, a free exhibition exploring the evolution of silver tableware and dining conventions from the 1600s to the present day. Celebrating the work of contemporary silversmiths, Made for the Table features silverware from the exquisite collection of the Goldsmiths’ Company acquired over the last five centuries, in dialogue with the work of acclaimed artisans in furniture, glass, ceramics and textiles.
From serving dishes to cutlery, sculptural bread baskets to wine coasters, domestic silver and tableware continues to be the focal point of our table settings. Despite changes in dining habits and social etiquette, as well as taste and style, the exhibition explores how silversmiths continue to be inspired to make extraordinary handmade objects. Considering the influence of function on design and the intimate connection to the user that inspires silversmiths today, Made for the Table demonstrates both a continuation of silversmithing techniques throughout history and a break in tradition through contemporary innovation and new technologies.
At the heart of the gallery and in dialogue with the Goldsmiths’ Company collection, is a bespoke table, laid ready for a dinner party with hand-crafted silver, modern glass, fine ceramics and textiles. Visitors are invited to a feast for the eyes, showcasing newly commissioned silverware from cutlery, beakers to candlesticks by leading makers such as Michael Lloyd, Malcolm Appleby, Jane Short, Angela Cork and Miriam Hanid, amongst Ptolemy Mann textiles and Vezzini and Chen hand-blown glass.
Surrounding the table in accompanying displays, the extraordinary silver collection acquired by the Goldsmiths’ Company over centuries contextualises the continuation of technique and innovation in the treatment of silver throughout history. Arranged in four themes - flavour, light, dine and drink - from functioning silverware to illuminate the table to pieces for ceremonial use, the displays showcase the Goldsmiths’ Company’s long history of patronage.
The collection examines techniques used by makers for centuries such as hand-forging explored by contemporary silversmith Rebecca De Quin, who uses the same technique in her cutlery employed by makers on display dating from 1627, to the social importance of tableware exemplified in 16th century ornate salt cellars showcased alongside contemporary works such as Adi Toch’s Pinch of Salt
bowl (2010) commenting on precious commodities throughout history.
Capturing the works by contemporary makers through film and photography under the art direction of AVM Curiosities, the display is accompanied by Rosalind Atkinson’s series The Silverware Still Lives inspired by 17th century dutch painting, balancing a bounty of fruit and flora with the modern silverware designs on display. In addition, films of contemporary makers Rebecca De Quin and Miriam Hanid explore their individual practices and an ambient soundscape, Silverware 7 by Mee, vividly brings to life the making process through recording silverware as percussion and the atmospheric sounds of master silversmiths.
In the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Atrium alongside the exhibition, visitors can view a curated showcase bringing together work by 37 of the UK’s leading makers including Angela Cork, Rebecca de Quin, Adi Toch and Miriam Hanid and Yusuke Yamamoto. Their designs in silver, glass, ceramic and textile exemplify the very best in contemporary tableware.
In addition, twenty beakers have been commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Centre especially for the show and are available to buy. Each silversmith has imaginatively responded to the theme ‘old and new’ in developing a unique design from a spun form, to create a one of a kind drinking experience. From designs inspired by the gin making process to sunrise and sunset, the diversity of responses, all taking the same spun form as their starting point, illustrates the extraordinary range of design and making skills practiced by emerging makers today.
Georgia Powell, Assistant Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company, says: “Made for the Table is truly a celebration of techniques, inspiration, and exquisite craftsmanship. It reflects the Goldsmiths’ Company’s unique and continued patronage of domestic pieces made to be used and enjoyed. By drawing comparisons between historic and contemporary pieces, the exhibition helps contextualise the outstanding work of makers working in Britain today.”
