Commemorating History in Silver: A National Design Competition by BATF and NAJ
In a significant initiative to honour a pivotal moment in history and celebrate contemporary British craftsmanship, the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has proudly partnered with its parent organisation, the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF). Together, they have launched a prestigious competition aimed at discovering an exceptional piece of silverware. This new acquisition will join the BATF’s esteemed collection of important silver items, carefully accumulated and curated over many years, representing a rich tapestry of UK design and artistry.
A Timeless Collaboration for a Lasting Tribute
The collaboration between the NAJ and BATF underscores a shared commitment to upholding the heritage of British craftsmanship while fostering innovation within the jewellery and silversmithing sectors. By inviting designers to create a commemorative piece, the competition not only enriches a historical collection but also provides a platform for contemporary talent to shine. This partnership exemplifies how established industry bodies can synergise their efforts to inspire creativity, preserve cultural memory, and support the vibrant community of UK designer-makers.
The Evocative Brief: Marking the End of the Great War
The core of this exciting competition lies in its powerful and poignant brief. Entrants are challenged to conceptualise, design, and meticulously craft a piece of sterling silverware that can be either functional or purely decorative. The central inspiration for each creation must be the cessation of hostilities in the First World War, taking that historic ceasefire as a profound starting point. This theme invites designers to delve into a period of immense global significance, translating its legacy, emotion, and remembrance into tangible silver forms. The broad nature of the brief encourages a wide spectrum of interpretations, from solemn reflection to symbols of hope and peace, ensuring a diverse and thought-provoking array of submissions.
Nurturing British Craftsmanship: Eligibility and Material Versatility
In line with the BATF’s longstanding dedication to supporting domestic talent, the competition is exclusively open to UK companies that both design and manufacture their work within the United Kingdom. This ensures that the winning piece is a true testament to British ingenuity and skill. Participants are encouraged to express their unique artistic vision, creating a piece in their distinctive style. To facilitate the design process, detailed design-to-scale drawings or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files are required to be submitted and, if selected, donated to the BATF, contributing to a valuable archive of contemporary silver design.
The competition also offers remarkable flexibility in material choice, reflecting a modern approach to traditional craftsmanship. While sterling silver is the primary medium, silversmiths may opt to use Britannia silver, known for its higher purity (95.84% silver compared to sterling’s 92.5%). Beyond the core silver, designers are welcome to incorporate an array of other materials and techniques to enhance their creations. These can include other precious or base metals, intricate embellishments, and various mixed media elements. Furthermore, the brief encourages the use of vibrant enamel work, the strategic placement of stones to add sparkle or narrative, and a diverse range of texture and finishing techniques that can dramatically alter the tactile and visual appeal of the silver surface. This openness to mixed media empowers designers to push the boundaries of traditional silversmithing, resulting in truly innovative and multi-faceted works of art.
The Esteemed BATF Jewellery & Giftware Silver Collection
The winning design will not merely be an award-winning piece; it will be acquired for a significant sum of £8,500 and become a permanent fixture within the BATF’s renowned Jewellery & Giftware Silver collection. This collection is a meticulously curated repository of exceptional silverware, featuring works by some of the greatest UK designer-makers, manufacturers, and silversmiths. Spanning over a century, the collection serves as a living archive, showcasing the evolution of British silver design and the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Each piece within the collection tells a story, representing a moment in time, a technological advancement, or a significant artistic movement. The addition of a WWI commemorative piece will lend a profound historical depth to this already impressive array, reflecting the Federation’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating the finest examples of British silversmithing.
Insights from Leadership: Balancing Poignancy and Modernity
Rosina Singleton, Chief Operating Officer of the BATF, shared her enthusiasm and vision for the competition: “The brief was intentionally crafted to be as expansive and inclusive as possible. Our goal was to stimulate and encourage entrants to put forth truly imaginative ideas – pieces that are distinctly modern in their aesthetic and conception, yet simultaneously capable of appropriately reflecting the profound poignancy and historical weight of this significant date. We are genuinely eager and excited to receive proposals for a piece that will not only stand on its own merit but also harmoniously integrate within our incredibly eclectic collection, which already encompasses a remarkable range of pieces created over the past century.” Her statement highlights the delicate balance between honouring history and embracing contemporary artistic expression, seeking designs that are both reverent and forward-thinking.
Echoing this sentiment, Lindsey Straughton, NAJ Industry Ambassador, underscored the historical significance of the Federation’s patronage: “The Federation has a rich and long-standing tradition of commissioning significant pieces for their Silver collection, often specifically to mark a momentous occasion or a defining moment in time. The generous allocation of £8,500 for the acquisition of the winning piece is a substantial incentive, and I am confident that it will indeed encourage a wealth of interesting and high-calibre entries. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage in the judging process.” Straughton’s remarks emphasise the competition’s role in continuing a cherished legacy of artistic patronage, ensuring that significant historical events are commemorated with equally significant works of art.
Key Dates and Unprecedented Recognition for the Victorious Designer
The journey from concept to collection involves several crucial milestones. Design entries must be meticulously prepared and submitted by the end of July 2018. Following a thorough judging process by an expert panel, the much-anticipated winners are scheduled to be officially announced on July 9th, 2018. This prompt announcement allows the winning silversmith ample time to bring their visionary design to life. The completed and exquisite winning item is then required to be delivered to Federation House in Birmingham by October 31st, 2018, just in time for its grand unveiling and integration into the celebrated collection.
The prestige associated with this competition extends far beyond the acquisition of the piece itself. The triumphant designer will receive unparalleled exposure and recognition across multiple high-profile platforms. The winner’s achievement will be prominently announced to the industry press, ensuring broad coverage within the trade. Furthermore, the NAJ’s extensive online platforms will feature the winning design, reaching a wide audience of jewellery enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential clients. A particularly significant aspect of the recognition is an exclusive editorial feature dedicated to the winning piece and its creator in the September issue of The Jeweller magazine. This in-depth article will not only showcase the design but also highlight the exceptional workmanship, innovative techniques, and the profound story behind the piece, elevating the profile of the silversmith to a national and international stage. This comprehensive recognition package provides an invaluable boost to the winning designer’s career, cementing their reputation as a leading talent in the British silversmithing industry.
The Enduring Significance of Commemoration Through Art
This competition transcends a simple design challenge; it represents a powerful intersection of history, art, and remembrance. The First World War left an indelible mark on the world, and nearly a century later, its lessons and sacrifices continue to resonate. Commemorating the ceasefire through an artistic medium like silverware imbues the memory with a tangible, enduring quality. Silver, a noble metal, has long been associated with honour, prestige, and permanence, making it an exceptionally fitting material for such a solemn and significant tribute. A piece of art, especially one crafted with such skill and dedication, has the unique ability to convey emotions, narratives, and historical gravity in a way that words alone sometimes cannot. It serves as a visual touchstone, prompting reflection and ensuring that the memory of those who served and the global impact of the war are never forgotten.
A Call to Creative Action for UK Silversmiths
The National Association of Jewellers and the British Allied Trades Federation extend an enthusiastic invitation to all eligible UK silversmiths and design companies to participate in this landmark competition. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a nationally significant collection, to have your work recognised by leading industry bodies, and to leave a lasting artistic legacy commemorating one of history’s most profound events. The competition offers a rare chance to blend historical reverence with contemporary design excellence, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in modern silversmithing. By participating, designers not only showcase their talent but also contribute to the ongoing narrative of British craftsmanship and historical remembrance.
Source: professionaljeweller.com