Silver crafts people open show place

Press, 1 December 1987, Page 28

Silver crafts people open show place

ANABRIGHT HAY

Handcrafted jewellery makes a highly individual fashion statement about the wearer’s personality, says Richard Tarrant, chairman of the Silversmiths’ Guild, of Canterbury. It is a statement that a growing number of people who buy the work of guild members are wanting to make.

The guild is based in the Old Boys’ High Building of the Arts Centre and has about 35 members, all of whom make pieces which Mr Tarrant describes as being at the artist non-commercial end of the craft spectrum.

Jewellery makes up the bulk of the work, but other items of body adornment are also made as well as bowls, boxes, coffee pots and candlesticks. Metals are the main components of the jewellery but semiprecious stones, bones, shells, and fibre are sometimes used.

In its quest to promote high quality workmanship and increase the public’s awareness, the guild meetings and workshops for beginners as

well as members. Work is permanently exhibited and sold by several guild members at the Connexion Gallery next to the workshops. Bigger exhibitions containing work by a wider group of members are also held. “Much of our work is commissioned and allows us to design a unique piece which we

feel reflects the wearer’s taste and personality,” Mr Tarrant said. ' The market for such work was small but growing and while American tourists bought many of the pieces New Zealanders’ knowledge and appreciation was increasing. “Making jewellery is a problem-solving occupation with each piece interesting in itself.” Traditional Polynesian designs are often incorporated in Mr Tarrant’s own work, which he says includes old and new design elements. Mr Tarrant is one of the few guild members who work full-time at their craft. His work is sold in Christchurch at Westside Store in Cashel Street and Mask in the Shades. Other guild members who sell work in Christchurch include Penny Hughes, Betty Loopeker, Adrian Van Herpt, and Larry Field.