To the Goldsmiths Hall today for the press launch of British Silver Week. Now in its second year, British Silver Week was the brainchild of Gordon Hamme who, frustrated by the lack of public awareness of the flourishing British contemporary silver scene, established a week of exhibitions showcasing the best designers.

During Silver Week, which begins this year on 8th June, My Family Silver will host all the participating galleries allowing visitors to view the exhibits online. In the grand and glittering surroundings of Goldsmiths Hall, Gordon announced a series of spectacular events linked to the week including a showcase exhibition at Chatsworth House, in Derbyshire, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire who is a keen patron of contemporary art.

Over at Krug champagne, I met a number of the silversmiths who will be showing their work including Alan Craxford famed for his innovative use of materials and outstanding engraving work; and Ndidi Ekubia who batters and hammers silver into complex and highly beautiful forms. Ndidi had brought along one of her fabulous wine coolers to the press launch – another will be offered as a prize during British Silver Week.

Sterling Silver Wine cooler by Ndidi Ekubia.

I was also introduced to Polly Biekeka of the Gallery Pangolin at King’s Place which will be hosting a show during the week. I am a huge fan of her gallery having visited it before Christmas to see Sterling Stuff II. This remarkable and thought provoking show included works in silver by hip contemporary artists like Lynn Chadwick, Damien Hirst and Anthony Gormley, the famed creator of the Angel of the North. Sterling Stuff II opened many eyes to the versatility of silver as a medium for expressing challenging ideas in art.

Sterling Silver Foetus in Petrie dish by Anthony Gormley.

With such exciting participants, British Silver Week should be a fantastic event.

I can’t wait, can you?