Spoonie Collection: American Silver Spoon and Pewter (M91)

Catalogue Record

Collection

Maker

David Clarke

Title

Spoonie Collection: American Silver Spoon and Pewter

Made in

London
Providence
Stockholm

Date

2011

Description

Silver spoon stem with the bowl removed, and a deeper pewter body attached to form a free-standing piece.

Materials and techniques

Spoon bought on eBay in the UK or USA. Bowl of the spoon removed using a piercing saw, retaining the edge of the bowl and handle. Pewter forms made using simple forming techniques around steel formers (wooden and rubber mallets used). Soldered together with tin solder and plumber's flux.

Dimensions

length:  15.5cm
width:  8cm
height:  14cm

Object number

M91

Category

On view

99 Bishopsgate 5&20 Exhibition
  • Spoonie Collection: American Silver Spoon and Pewter, David Clarke, 2011, Crafts Council Collection: M91. Photo: Todd-White Art Photography.

  • Spoonie Collection, David Clarke, 2011, Crafts Council Collection: M89, M90, M91. Photo: Todd-White Art Photography.

Maker's statement

David Clarke is often cited as one of Britain's most highly innovative silversmiths. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1997, Clarke has produced a wealth of covetable objects that have proven pivotal in the renaissance of contemporary British silversmithing. Clarke has a well-earned reputation for producing engaging, intelligent and challenging domestic objects.

The aesthetic most often associated with Clarke's work relates to the subversive nature in which he responds to the entrenched traditions of silversmithing, often taking it to surprising extremes. This absolute willingness to experiment and play inappropriately sets Clarke apart.