The Commissioned Beakers for Made for the Table
Twenty beakers have been commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Centre for the exhibition Made for the Table. 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.
If you would like to purchase one or several of these beakers, please email boxoffice@goldsmiths-centre.org we will confirm whether it is still available and reserve the beaker.
Should your favourite piece already have sold, we would encourage you to contact the maker directly to commission another piece. Their contact details can be found below.
Dutch Courage Gin Beaker by Benjamin James Ryan
Sterling Silver, black diamonds, ruthenium-plate, 2018, SOLD
Sterling Silver, black diamonds, ruthenium-plate, 2018, SOLD
This gin beaker Dutch Courage by silversmith Benjamin James Ryan plays to the spirit’s rich history. Gin was first recorded in use in the Dutch War of Independence which lasted 80 years. Soldiers would drink it for its calming effects before battle, hence the term ‘Dutch Courage’.In homage to this, the engraved barcode reads ‘Dutch Courage’, and the radiating silver arms each represent a decade of the war. The arms are ruthenium-plated and set with black diamonds to reference the deep colour of the Juniper berry, used to produce gin. These decorative elements also aid the user in a functional capacity, acting as measuring levels.
About the designer
Benjamin James Ryan specialises in the design and production of bespoke silverware, jewellery and public art. He draws inspiration from engineering, creating beautifully functional and practical objects. His design ethos is largely based around packaging pure luxury into seemingly simplistic pieces of design. Benjamin strives to invent new products using precious metals, paying homage to iconic design forms, using either a functional or aesthetic twist, often with a hidden message.
Elliptic Beaker by Alex O’Connor
Tilting Silver Beaker, 2018, £1,800 (incl VAT)
Tilting Silver Beaker, 2018, £1,800 (incl VAT)
This Elliptic Beaker is a sleek, tactile silver drinking vessel by silversmith Alex O’Connor inspired by the unique geological formations and industrial past of a tiny cove in west Cornwall. Porth Nanven, or as locals call it ‘the Cot Valley’ was once the site of tin mine workings. Today sociable knots of people will be found ‘down Cot’ eating, drinking and making the most of precious summer evenings.
About the designer
Alex O’Connor came to silversmithing from a background in Fine Art and Sculpture. Her silverware merges an inherent understanding of aesthetic balance, form and composition with the specific disciplines of contemporary silversmithing.
Effervescent Beaker by Paul Alexander Smith
Hand Formed Silver Beaker with Botryoidal Decoration, 2018, £2,160 (incl VAT)
Hand Formed Silver Beaker with Botryoidal Decoration, 2018, £2,160 (incl VAT)
Effervescent Beaker by Paul Smith draws its inspiration from effervescent bubbles found in a gin and tonic. These botryoidal forms adorn the sterling silver hand formed beaker, embellishing its surface with a tactile quality.
About the designer
Paul Alexander Smith’s current work focuses on the segmented growth of forms found in nature, using the Japanese metalworking technique, Mokume-gane. Drawing inspiration from unusual segmented structures, such as mineral structures and succulent plants, he interprets and explores these forms through an intuitive process of making and design; thinking through making.
Paul Alexander Smith’s current work focuses on the segmented growth of forms found in nature, using the Japanese metalworking technique, Mokume-gane. Drawing inspiration from unusual segmented structures, such as mineral structures and succulent plants, he interprets and explores these forms through an intuitive process of making and design; thinking through making.
Enamel Sunset & Enamel Sunrise Beaker by Kyosun Jung
A Pair of Enamelled Beakers, 2018, SOLD
A Pair of Enamelled Beakers, 2018, SOLD
The Enamel Sunset and Enamel Sunrise Beakers, by silversmith Kyosun Jung, are inspired by the extraordinary colours that can appear across the sky at sunset and sunrise. Each handcrafted beaker has been meticulously hammered into shape, from a spun form, then inscribed with a detailed linear pattern, created through the engine turning engraving technique. Kyosun has applied enamel over this, creating a blend of blue, orange, red, pink to purple colours.
About the designer
Kyosun Jung is a London based silversmith with a passion for creating and designing unique contemporary silverware, goldsmithing, jewellery and art medals. Drawing her inspiration from nature and organic forms, she combines simple forms with expressive decoration to create striking works with an international appeal. With works in the permanent collections at the V&A, British Museum and the Goldsmiths’ Company, Kyosun makes pieces that are both functional and visually beautiful.
Birch Beaker by Hazel Thorn
Silver Chased Beaker, 2018, £1,800 (incl VAT)
Birch Beaker by silversmith Hazel Thorn is inspired by the texture and pattern of a tree’s bark and branches. Chased in silver, it is decorative and functional, with linear patterns, which can be found in the natural world.
About the designer
Originally from the remote area of the Scottish Highlands, Hazel Thorn spent her childhood exploring the forests and mountains, which have influenced her silversmithing work. She is fascinated how silver can disguise itself as a more fragile material, or resemble living things caught in a snapshot of movement, growth or decay. Using a combination of precious and non-precious metals, she forms sheets into sculptural vessels, resulting in shapes that respond to the pattern of the metal. Through chemical patination, she also affects the metals of the whole object, producing contrasting colours that highlight the structure of the sheet.
The Apparition by Daniel Theo Woodford
Silver Beaker and lid, 2018, £3,000 (incl VAT)
Apparition beaker by Daniel Theo Woodford is inspired by the 19th century French painting, of the same name, by Gustav Moreau. The original, on a sensuous and eerie theme, depicts Salome’s desire for the head of her refuser St John the Baptist. With a reputation for being easily manipulated, King Herod sits in the shadows swayed by Salome’s seduction. Daniel translates Moreau’s vision by showing Salome’s outstretched arm viewed from the side, whilst St John the Baptist glowing head is brought into a full 3-dimensional view as the sculpted lid of the beaker. Inside, King Herod looks up at you from the beaker’s base.
About the designer
Daniel Theo Woodford is a British designer-maker and Royal College of Art graduate, specialising in metalwork and jewellery. His process is conceptually driven with an emphasis on craftsmanship that dances over the boundaries of fine art, fashion and jewellery. Daniel draws on mythology and mystic teachings in his work to create pieces that are at once beautiful on a surface level, yet rich with philosophical and esoteric meaning for those wishing to explore more deeply.
Juniper Bubble Beaker by Christine Johnson
Silver Beaker with Bubbles, Lines and Juniper Berries, 2018, £1,440 (incl VAT)
Juniper Bubble Beaker by Christine Johnson is perfect for enjoying a gin and tonic. Inspired by gin and her love of geometric lines and repetition, three columns of silver beads are positioned in thirds around the beaker; the smaller beads represent rising bubbles and the largest bead at the top of each column symbolise a Juniper berry. The bubbles are a reference to the familiar method of serving, with tonic, and the berries reference the source of the flavour. There is a special space reserved on the side of the beaker where you could place your mark of ownership; an emblem, coat of arms or initials.
About the designer
Designer-maker Christine Johnson’s work is inspired by repetition and pattern, and the interplay of lines of light and shadow. Many of her jewellery pieces are kinetic and reflect a deep interest in optical illusion and visual effects.
Quarried Beaker by Hamish Dobbie
Silver Beaker replicating Quarried Stone, 2018, SOLD
Inspired by boulders, stones and quarried rock, Hamish Dobbie has worked the Britannia silver with various hammer techniques and punches to create Quarried Beaker. The crisp edges and subtle textures from the hammering create an incredibly engaging tactile experience, which reflects the sharp edge of a good dry Gin.
About the designer
Hamish creates award-winning functional and decorative objects using sterling silver and select hardwoods. Taking visual inspiration form the majestic landscape of Scotland, he contracts textures and forms with smooth geometric surfaces. By combining traditional skills and contemporary techniques, Hamish is able to transform the intricate linear designs, flowing curves and natural forms that inspire his work, into beautiful constructed and sculptural objects.
Surya Beaker by Manasi Depala
Chased Beaker, 2018, £2,160 (incl VAT)
Surya Beaker by Manasi Depala is chased with a design inspired by wood carvings found in traditional Indian architecture. A repeated pattern loops around the beaker representing the sun rising from the sea
About the designer
Contemporary jeweller and silversmith Manasi Depala had an Indian upbringing in Britain, which has shaped her design identity. In her practice she plays with form, creating clean, modern shapes. Her work is inspired by traditional Indian architecture, which is used as a basis for decoration, created through low relief chasing.
Contemporary jeweller and silversmith Manasi Depala had an Indian upbringing in Britain, which has shaped her design identity. In her practice she plays with form, creating clean, modern shapes. Her work is inspired by traditional Indian architecture, which is used as a basis for decoration, created through low relief chasing.
Spiral Beaker by Oscar Saurin
Sterling Silver Beaker with Fluted Motif, 2018, SOLD
Spiral Beaker by Oscar Saurin features a fluted motif; fluid lines have been chased into the surface, spiralling from top to bottom.
About the designer
Silversmith Oscar Saurin is an Apprentice at Fox Silver Limited. He graduated in 2014 from the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Foundation Programme. With full training in silversmithing and many areas of the allied crafts, such as chasing, polishing and fine jewellery manufacture, Oscar found his passion for goldsmithing at the age of 15, attending evening classes in his free time. With support of his workshop and Company, he has gone on to pursue his chosen career winning multiple awards at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Award in 2018.
Beaker 2018 by Patrick Davison
Sterling Silver, 2018, SOLD
Patrick Davison’s beaker takes inspiration from the Juniper berry that gives gin its flavour. The Latin names of some of the Juniper species are hand engraved around the beaker in a Latin font. The words blend together, each name leading into another. They join to create one surface made up of individual words, each made up of individual letters.
About the designer
Patrick Davison is a gold and silversmith based in Kent. He studied at Glasgow School of Art and at the Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence. After graduation he returned to Kent to set up his workshop, where he continues to work. He began to develop his own work exploring a variety of gold and silversmithing techniques, complementing this personal practice with work in jewellery workshops.
Botanicals Beaker by RockPAUL
Diamond and Sapphire Set Silver Beaker, 2018, SOLD
Diamond and Sapphire Set Silver Beaker, 2018, SOLD
Botanicals Beaker by RockPAUL is designed so that the shape of the beaker enhances the ‘nose’ and palate’ of the gin, in the same way a red wine glass works. The colours of the botanicals used in gin are represented through set gemstones of matching colours around the rim of the beaker and enhanced by rose gold plating applied to the inside.
About the designer
RockPAUL is the creation of Paul Savage and Paul Wilson, two classically trained goldsmiths with 30 years combined experience. Their attention to detail and passion for fine quality design and craftsmanship comes from being trained by some of the trades’ finest craftspeople. They completed a traditional Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship, gaining the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of the fine skills they possess.
The Illusion Cup by Rupert Todd
Silver Cup with Golden Dome Inside, 2018, £1,800 (incl VAT)
Illusion Cup by silversmith Rupert Todd juxtaposes classical and modernist profiles. Their defined edges are used to structure the light in a hue-shifted ‘infinity mirror’ effect alongside a gold dome insert. This insert also provides cooling without dilution, utilising the material properties of the silver to its advantage.
About the designer
Silversmith Rupert Todd’s sculptural pieces are inspired by the natural world in all its facets, from optics, metallic chemistry and balance, to the smoothness of a river-worn stone. His pieces catch both the eye of the spectator, and rays of light, through their mirrored and opposed surfaces. The aesthetic and the aim are one, to engineer functional art.
The Gin Beaker by Suzanne Seed
Silver Beaker, Engraved and Gilded, 2018, SOLD
Silver Beaker, Engraved and Gilded, 2018, SOLD
Gin Beaker by Suzanne Seed features the copper pipes found in all gin distilleries. The design, a repeat pattern, continues around the body of the beaker onto its base. Using a hammer and chisel, the lines have been engraved on the silver and then highly polished and gold plated, so that these bold forms contrast with the brushed silver interior and exterior of the beaker.
About the designer
Suzanne Seed is a contemporary silversmith, creating designs from conception to completion. Her designs feature simple clean lines and contrast. She follows the modernist principle of no additions for the sake of adornment – only subtractions from the material at hand. With functionality as important as form, her designs are equally enjoyable to look at as they are to hold, touch and use.
Suzanne Seed is a contemporary silversmith, creating designs from conception to completion. Her designs feature simple clean lines and contrast. She follows the modernist principle of no additions for the sake of adornment – only subtractions from the material at hand. With functionality as important as form, her designs are equally enjoyable to look at as they are to hold, touch and use.
Dry Earth Beaker by Takuya Kamiyama
Engraved, Chased and Punched Beaker, 2018, £1,440
This Dry Earth Beaker by Takuya Kamiyama takes its inspiration from nature itself – the dry earth. Takuya raised the beaker to a height through hammering the original spun beaker into shape, then decorating the vessel with punches of different sizes and textures to create its mottled surface. The grooves that line the vessel are chased, so when caught in the light each texture conveys a different meaning.
About the designer
Born in Japan, Takuya Kamiyama makes contemporary vessels, tumblers and silver tableware that is inspired by the natural world. Focusing on the study of moss, bacteria and the layers that form on the earth, he incorporates a multitude of silversmithing techniques such as hammering, engraving and chasing to express his vision.
Born in Japan, Takuya Kamiyama makes contemporary vessels, tumblers and silver tableware that is inspired by the natural world. Focusing on the study of moss, bacteria and the layers that form on the earth, he incorporates a multitude of silversmithing techniques such as hammering, engraving and chasing to express his vision.
Mandala Beaker by Abigail Buckingham
Hand Engraved Beaker inspired by Mandala Symmetry, 2018, £1,440 (incl VAT)
Mandala Beaker by Abigail Buckingham is a hand engraved gin tasting beaker set with cabochon amethyst gemstones. The beakerIt is inspired by Moroccan architecture and features hand engraved symmetrical flower designs.
About the designer
Abigail Buckingham begun her career on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Foundation Programme in 2012. As one of the part of the first year of participants in the first year of the programme, she learnt the different skills of the trade from engraving and, enamelling to setting. She then continued her training as an aApprentice in diamond mounting working in her father’s silversmithing business in North Lincolnshire. In 2017 she successfully completed her apprenticeship and was given the Freedom of the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
Abigail Buckingham begun her career on the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Foundation Programme in 2012. As one of the part of the first year of participants in the first year of the programme, she learnt the different skills of the trade from engraving and, enamelling to setting. She then continued her training as an aApprentice in diamond mounting working in her father’s silversmithing business in North Lincolnshire. In 2017 she successfully completed her apprenticeship and was given the Freedom of the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.
Celebration Beaker by Loucinda Nims
Stone Set Silver Beaker, 2018, £2,160 (incl VAT)
Inspired by the theme “Old meets New”, this Celebration Beaker by Loucinda Nims aims to add a contemporary twist to a traditional object. The beaker is encrusted with over 40 Peridots and white topaz that dance around the piece in a flowing pattern.
About the designer
Loucinda Nims is a designer and silversmith based in the west Berkshire countryside. Using traditional techniques, she creates contemporary silverware and jewellery, which is simple in shape and sensitive in design. Function is a significant part of her work, her ethos is to make pieces that are beautiful to use, as well as to look at. Each piece is hand-crafted to a high standard and hallmarked with her unique maker’s mark.
Loucinda Nims is a designer and silversmith based in the west Berkshire countryside. Using traditional techniques, she creates contemporary silverware and jewellery, which is simple in shape and sensitive in design. Function is a significant part of her work, her ethos is to make pieces that are beautiful to use, as well as to look at. Each piece is hand-crafted to a high standard and hallmarked with her unique maker’s mark.
Sunrise Tulip Beaker by Jessica Jue
Silver Beaker, 2018, £1,800 (incl VAT)
Sunrise Tulip Beaker by silversmith Jessica Jue mimics the curvaceous form of a tulip and its rich blend of colours. Hand-formed from a simple spun beaker, a single line has been chased down the middle to create a subtle division between colour and form. The gold-plated surface blends into the silver, creating a feeling of warmth and appeal of a sunrise.
About the designer
Jessica Jue is a London based jeweller and silversmith who explores a wide range of traditional techniques, which are used to craft beautiful, contemporary designs. She explores the themes of balance and harmony, creating a sense of rhythm across her collections. The fluidity of form in her work allows a visual narrative to pass between all her pieces.