Exploring Silver
Form, Pattern & Texture
‘Materials’ represents a series of exhibitions exploring the design and practice of makers using various mediums. The first of which, ‘Exploring Silver’ was curated by Corin Mellor and displayed at the David Mellor Design Museum in Hathersage. The pieces were selected from The Sheffield Assay Office Collection and ranged from the 1930s to the present day, all displaying uniquely interesting forms and a variety of patterns and textures that are typical of their era. This exhibition was special for a number of reasons, but mainly because many of the items on display were designed and made by both individuals and companies who had specific connections to leading British designer, David Mellor himself.
Our brief was to create an exhibition brand and display panels that would sit alongside the permanent displays. Utilising the large glass entrance doors for impact and free-standing display cabinets allowed us to direct visitors around the exhibition space.
Client / Sheffield Assay Office
The Sheffield Assay Office Collection was established in 1906 when the then Assay Master was given permission to obtain items to educate the staff and members of the public on the subject of precious metals and hallmarking. Today it consists of over 400 pieces of precious metal and over three-quarters of the collection is designed and made by Sheffield silversmiths.
