Patrick Davison on making Beaker 2018
A repeat winner at the Goldsmiths' Fair in 2016 and 2017, silversmith Patrick Davison honed his craft in Glasgow and Florence before settling in a workshop in Kent. This week he chatted to us about a recent project, a unique silver beaker for Made for the Table.
Does the piece you’re creating for Made for the Table differ from your usual work - and if so, how?
I received engraving training from Angus Macfadyen in 2017 and I saw the brief for the Made for the Table exhibition as a wonderful opportunity to use and explore the techniques on a finished three-dimensional object. However, the closeness to the metal and the sensitive and delicate touch needed to accomplish engraving, are attributes I am continually trying to integrate into my work.
Would you say you are more influenced by the contemporary, or the historic?
Most of the historic or ancient things that I get a deep pleasure from looking at are seen from my perspective now, in the present. So it is hard to see a purely historical object, or moment, but I enjoy engaging with them as much as I can and never cease to be impressed by the skills and wisdom of ancient craftsmen.
What are you most looking forward to about participating in Made for the Table?
I'm looking forward to seeing the other makers’ work.
Does creating a vessel (a beaker) have any special significance for you?
I have made very few before, so it was a nice chance to work on a piece that had already been spun and then try to bring it towards me and my work.
Do you have a favourite piece that you’ve created for commission?
I made a Court Cup for the Goldsmiths’ Company commissioned by Mr Arthur Drysdale. It was a pleasure to discuss his wide-ranging interests, also learning from his knowledge of silver, before drawing on this to try to design a cup that would be a joy for him to use.
Do you think silverware should be used on a daily basis?
Yes, and if a piece needs to be used daily it certainly needs be made with that in mind, so it survives.