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 | Don Porritt
Don Porritt was an apprentice jeweller, silversmith and diamond-mounter before studying silversmithing and engraving at Leeds College of Art where he won 5 design awards, including 2 from the Royal Society of Arts. He later lectured here in Industrial Design for many years. He set up his own workshop in 1964 and has exhibited widely including Goldsmiths' Hall, the U.S. and Europe. His commissions include many important sporting trophies.
He believes the ultimate challenge of the silversmith is to create a unique sculptural form while maintaining the expressive inner content of the piece.
The vibrancy of rivers, rapids, cascades and the fluidity of water in its many moods are the collective inspiration for these experimental pieces of modern domestic silverwork.
Flasks, flagons, jugs, bowls and other vessels are created by a combination of innovative piercing, seaming and overlap techniques which impart a flowing, dynamic quality to each piece. The surface detailing and texture of the finished designs evolve in a natural manner directly from their process of construction.
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Silver Jug
Height: 23.5cm
Weight: 22 oz
The body of the jug is constructed of two main sections.
The front, with its strong curvilinear profiled edge and
flowing, wire emphasis - is backed by a repoussé formed
rear element. The dynamic wire feature is an essential
constructional detail - the repoussé rear section is profiled
to fit the front at this juncture - and also fits underneath the
wire to guarantee a sound seam between the two body
elements. (The flowing shaped wire is not just an applied
decorative feature). The handle is hollow and a four piece
construction.
£2500
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 | Silver Caddy Spoon
Cast handled versions which are rather special. In the DVD for the Goldsmiths Company exhibition 'Creation' Don Porritt is seen demonstrating the cuttlefish casting process used to produce the original pattern for these handles.
Length: 11.5cm Weight: 50 gms
£115
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Silver Caddy Spoon
This has an etched surface detailing. These are produced individually - not from a photo etching method - so they all vary slightly.
Length: 10cm Weight: 30 gms
£75
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 | Silver Bowl
Length: 43cm
Width: 18cm
Weight: 800 gms
The bowl configuration is largely shaped by the cut and overlap
technique which is applied to the sides of the central area of the
single sheet of silver. The form of this bowl is largely shaped by
the manipulation of the overlapping technique employed either
side of the central section. There is very little hammering involved -
the sequential overlapping and soldering process gradually pulls
the form into its concave configuration both in respect of its
longitudinal and transverse sections.
£2750
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Silver Caddy Spoon
This has an etched surface detailing. These are produced individually - not from a photo etching method - so they all vary slightly.
Length: 11cm Weight: 30 gms
£85
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 | Textured Silver Curvilinear Jug
Height: 16cm
This jug has a flowing curvilinear formation based on the
pouring action of liquid. The sharply modelled lines are
created as a result of the overlap technique which is
used to build up the body, section by section. The
process involved is similar to clinker boart-building - but
in this application is reversed - the development
progressing internally, rather than on the external
surface. The surface detailing and textural quality of
the finished designs evolve in a natural manner, directly
from the process of construction. The realtively slim, oval
section body fits neatly into the hand so no handle is required.
£1950
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Pre British Silver Week
Don Porritt when visting us in April
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 | At Work
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Silver Box
A recent commission by Don Porritt
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 | Silver Coffee Pot
Sheffield 1967
Height: 17cm
Weight: 676 grams
Collet foot engraved: PRESENTED TO P.Q.H. SIMON Esq BY THE GUILD OF YORKSHIRE CRAFTSMEN IN TOKEN OF THEIR SINCERE APPRECIATION
Part of The Pearson Collection
Some of The Pearson Collection will be on
display at Chatsworth House during British Silver Week
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