We are delighted to announce that two new pieces of silverware that have been commissioned for this year’s ‘Precious Little Gems’ commission are almost complete and will soon be on display in Millennium Galleries, Sheffield.

Josephine Gomersall and Giles Kozdon from the Starter Studio Programme here at Yorkshire Artspace were selected by a panel at Sheffield Assay Office to design a piece of functional tableware that would celebrate the 245th anniversary of the Sheffield Assay Office in 2018.

The two new designs are now nearing completion: Josephine designed a beautifully delicate piece using a vintage glass apothecary bottle as a water carafe, the piece will feature a sterling silver botanical stopper in the form of a stylised plant form known as Honesty (Lunaria annua). Giles is working on a locally inspired design, two Tinsley Cooling tower candlesticks, each to be to be made from concrete, glass and silver, featuring an internal flame, creating a wonderful dramatic vortex within each cylinder.

Assay Master, Ashley Carson said:

“I am excited about both projects, Giles and Josephine’s designs are very different from one another, most thought provoking. The Sheffield Assay Office will be delighted to see these completed in time for the 245th anniversary celebration in 2018”.

The annual ‘Precious Little Gems’ has enabled both artists to test out new ideas, push the boundaries of their practice. Sheffield Assay Office, Yorkshire Artspace and Museums Sheffield look forward to seeing the finished pieces of tableware on display at Millennium Galleries very soon.

Both Josephine and Giles will be giving a talk about this project and their cretive practices at the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield for Museums Sheffield on 14th May 2018 1pm - 2pm. This event is free - no need to book, just turn up. More info here.