Silver Summer at Pruden and Smith

May 07, 2008 - Press Dispensary - Anton Pruden and Rebecca Smith ( http://www.prudenandsmith.com ), renowned Sussex silversmiths and goldsmiths, celebrate 20 years of designing and making inimitable jewellery and silverware in Ditchling. Discerning collectors and buyers from all over the world have discovered the masterful blend of contemporary and lavish design, made on the premises with care and passion.

To celebrate this milestone in British craftsmanship, a succession of summer events are to be held at the gallery and workshop.

In May, as part of the Brighton Festival Open Houses, the ‘Art in Ditchling’ trail is a well established, high quality event with 10 venues in and around the village. Visitors can enjoy the museum, excellent pubs, cafes and country walks during an ideal spring day out. The Pruden & Smith Gallery, specialising in platinum and diamonds, is open all weekend during the Festival from 11 am until 5pm.

From June 10 - 17, British silversmiths are staging ‘British Silver Week’ to celebrate the renaissance in modern UK silversmithing. This promises to be one of the most exhilarating design events of 2008 when the work of over 100 of the UK’s top and upcoming silversmiths will be showcased in a series of exhibitions and events held throughout the UK. Pruden & Smith has been selected as a host gallery showing brand new, limited edition pieces from top designer-makers.

From June 23 -28, there will be a rare opportunity to view a selection from the ‘Connect’ touring exhibition. As founder members of the Association of British Designer Silversmiths, Pruden and Smith were among 50 silversmiths presented with a bowl or a glass, and a quantity of silver, and asked to apply their imaginations and silversmithing skills to create a unique piece on the theme of eat and drink. The resultant astonishing variety from 21st century silversmiths will be clearly seen.

The gallery and workshop, located at Ditchling village Crossroads, is open on Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm.

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Established by Anton Pruden and Rebecca Smith in 1988 in Ditchling, East Sussex, Pruden & Smith specialises in designing and making bespoke precious metalwork in the partners’ own workshop below their gallery.

The gallery on Ditchling crossroads shows an unparalleled selection of contemporary silverware and jewellery in gold, platinum, diamonds and other gemstones, both their own work and that of a dozen other top makers.

The partners are both Freemen of the Goldsmiths Company and employ one other full time craftsman at the bench. They have trained four craftsmen who have gone on to set up their own workshops locally and now supply the Pruden & Smith gallery with their work.

The company offers work experience for ambitious graduates from the UK and abroad.

Commissions include six altar vessels for Ely Cathedral, a Millennium bowl for the Bayer Corporation and jewellery for the actress Julie Christie.

Day courses and make-your-own wedding ring days are available.

For further information, please contact:
Anton Pruden, owner, Pruden and Smith
Tel: 01273 846338
Email:
Site: www.prudenandsmith.com