This work has transpired out of a wish to explore traditional silversmithing skills and in having some fun with sculptural forms. Exploring compositions in space and balance that can be functional, but also just aesthetic. The forms are constructed out of silver (mainly Britannia now) and native timbers.
The wood is sustainable and sourced from across the British Isles and then hand carved by myself. The silver is hand raised from fairly thick (1.8 - 2 mm) sheet into mainly shallow or deep bowls/vessels. In turn the bowls are some times left plain, oxidised (on the outside) or gilt on the insides with matt surfaces to complement the timbers used.
Titles that I have given to pieces are referential to the timbers industrial and domestic history. ie. Oak - ‘keel’ - boat building. Highlighting the rarity of wood in the manmade environment where they have been replaced by many synthetic alternatives. Something that has also happened to domestic silver in recent times emphasizing the kinship of these too natural materials.
Image credits (from left): 'skittle' oxidised sterling silver and hornbeam (Grant Braithwaite), 'knee' Britannia silver and English oak (Grant Braithwaite), 'keel' Britannia silver, lemon gilt and elm (Grant Braithwaite)
Grant Braithwaite
Silversmiths, Goldsmiths and other Metalsmiths
PO BOX 230 Hertford SG13 7XE
T: 0777 99 87 345
Contact: Grant Braithwaite
grant@grantbraithwaite.com