Leslie Durbin

LESLIE DURBIN - Born 1913 died 2005 Studied at Central School of Arts and Crafts 1926-9, apprenticed to Omar Ramsden 1929-38. Held all the Goldsmith's Company's scholarships. A Goldsmith's Company scholarship in 1938 enabled him not only to study silversmithing but also to undertake modelling and life classes. Consequently, the use of modelling and silversmithing, as a combination of techniques, has characterised Durbin's silver designs in subsequent years. Established a workshop in 1945 in partnership with Leonard Moss, who had been senior to him with Omar Ramsden. His workshops were at 62 Rochester Place, Camden Town. For his work on the Stalingrad Sword, given by Churchill to Stalin, in the service of the King in 1943 he was made a MRVO. Taught for a while at the Central School and RCA while Gerald Benney, David Mellor and Robert Welch were students. Made a CBE in 1976 for his contribution to the silver craft. He designed the Queen's Head for the Royal Jubilee commemorative assay mark and reverse of £1 coins in the 1980's. His studio was taken over by Hector Miller in 1976 who is still working from the same address. Durbin was honoured in 1982 with a one-man exhibition at Goldsmith's Hall entitled "Fifty Years of Silversmithing."

For an extended biography and more illustrations of his work, see a full chapter on LESLIE DURBIN in my book: (click on this link}:
DESIGNER BRITISH SILVER - from Studios Established 1930-1985 (styles-silver.co.uk)

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