Silversmith gains place at UK’s largest event
A GUERNSEY-BORN silversmith has been given the opportunity to showcase his locally-inspired work at the largest fine jewellery and contemporary silver event in the UK.
Caius Bearder, 23, has been awarded a graduate position at the Goldsmiths’ Fair in London, where he will be able to display and sell his collection of 18 silver pieces between 3 and 8 October, alongside 136 other exhibitors.
About 9,000 people are expected to attend.
‘I had to fill out an online form, and also send in pictures of my pieces with price points of how much I was hoping to sell them for.
‘I have exhibited with Goldsmiths before so they were aware of my work. Maybe that worked in my favour,’ said Mr Bearder, who is an artist in residence at the Glasgow School of Art
His journey to becoming a silversmith began while he was studying for his A-levels.
He took night classes in jewellery-making and did work experience with jeweller Catherine Best.
He then studied silversmithing and jewellery for his undergraduate degree in Glasgow, and continued to hone his craft at Bishopsland Educational Trust in Reading.
‘I enjoyed the expressive elements that came with silversmithing, so that’s what really got me started in what I’m doing now,’ he said.
He is making a set of four drinking vessels for the fair, the designs of which were inspired by his love of Guernsey’s coastline.
‘Each vessel will depict a different texture of water. I’m fascinated by waves and pools, especially along the south coast cliffs.
‘It’s the best place to get inspiration for the sort of things I’m looking to create.’
He has been using a technique known as hand spinning for the drinking vessels, while utilising another method, known as hand raising, for other pieces.
‘New techniques are difficult to pick up, but it’s always good to try something new and it helps you better understand silver as a material, even if it means accidentally hammering your thumb fairly often.’
While based in the UK at the moment, Mr Bearder’s dream is to return to Guernsey one day and set up his own workshop.
‘I would love to come back and teach as a lot of the skills I have learned are endangered. It would be good to pass them on to the next generation.
‘The Goldsmiths’ Fair will be the biggest thing I have ever done, so I hope it will be a success.’
