From Spring this year into Summer of next year, silver is taking centre stage in London.

Silver Speaks is a programme of events, exhibitions and conversations celebrating the works, skills and creativity of British silversmiths.  Launched in March 2016 and running until July 2017, it puts the spotlight on the most exciting designers and artists, and exploring applications of silver, from traditional to contemporary, and sculptural to functional, and how it inspires, features in and enhances modern living, architecture and fashion.

Silver Speaks: 'Form', just one of the exhibitions from the programme, takes place from 1 June to 23 September 2016 at the Goldsmiths Centre in London.

A collaborative design by the Contemporary British Silversmiths and award-winning designer Anne Kernan, 'Form' gives a behind-the-scenes look at the work and techniques used in the creation of works of silver, and the materials, processes and tools used.

Silver Speaks: 'Form' will showcase 33 works, along with tools, drawings and original samples.  The featured works were chosen as exceptional examples of design and craftsmanship, while also being representative of five specific areas:

• - Strike - The use of tools to form and manipulate silver
• - Construct - The use of construction techniques like scoring and folding
• - Enrich - The use of decorative finishing, such as etching and engraving
• - Colour - The application of colour through patination, enameling, inlaying and gilding
• - Innovate - Representing new techniques employed, or traditional techniques used in new ways

Karin Paynter, Director of Silver Speaks, comments: “Form is all about celebrating the making process, demonstrating the importance of tools and materials for individual silversmiths and showcasing the breadth of craftsmanship in British silversmithing. Through the Silver Speaks programme, Contemporary British Silversmiths is putting silver on the world stage to show how beautiful pieces can be created to enhance contemporary living, architecture and fashion.”

Britannia silver jug by Kathryn Hinton, £4800.

Britannia silver Platter Prickle Dish by Emma-Jane Rule, £2900.

Sterling silver Candelabra by Graham Stewart, £15,000.

Sterling silver Cruet Set - Formosa, by Richard Fox. £4620.

Sterling silver, enamel and glass vase, by Jenny Edge. £4500.

Silver Speaks: 'Form' will take place at the Goldsmiths Centre in London, from 1 June until 23 September 2016.  For more information, visit Silver Speaks.