Metals
Traditionally silversmiths took their name from the silverware made for fine homes, such as platters, candlesticks and cutlery. These days not many of us can afford this as an everyday luxury, and these metal working skills have found a niche in making beautiful art objects. The name of smith comes from the old English ‘to smite’ or hit, and the craft is not so far removed from that of the blacksmith and also encompasses non-precious metals.
Terms: Metalwork encompasses many different techniques including hammering, cold forging, welding, soldering and casting. Surfaces can be treated after the object has been made to create a patina. The technique of mokume-gane creates a surface pattern reminiscent of bird’s eye wood grain that is more than surface deep. Layers of different coloured metal laminates are built up and then worked away gradually to reveal the pattern.
Look out for: Precious metals usually have a hallmark to ascertain the content of the metal. Toys and automata are often made from metal, usually non-precious, with complicated mechanical workings. Some makers will also work on a larger architectural scale to commission. Contemporary Silver: Commissioning, Designing, Collecting, by Rabinovitch and Clifford, is a good introduction to art silver.
Katy Bevan ©2006
Silver organism by Junko Mori; Spoons by Annabet Wyndham