Stories

Claire & Séamus: Silversmithing

Irish master silversmith Séamus Gill and fellow Claire Mooney

Séamus Gill is an award winning Irish silversmith who uses traditional silversmithing skills to design and create elegant jewellery, silverware and sculpture. His unique designs evolve from his high level of skill and a deep understanding of the working qualities of silver.

Claire Mooney is a silversmith and artist based in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland. Rural life and landscape have a strong influence on her practice, explored through the use of texture, form and material. Her work uses traditional silversmithing techniques of heritage, landscape and folklore. Graduating from Ulster University, Claire continues to develop her practice and skill set. Claire has a particular interest in metal spinning, listed as an endangered craft on Heritage Crafts Red List.

Silver Tea Service

This silver tea service and wooden tray pays tribute to the importance of the silver tea service during the Art Deco period, when they were cherished as celebratory or commemorative objects for social occasions. For the design of the tea set, master silversmith Séamus and fellow Claire drew inspiration from the industrial heritage of ship building and nautical events which played a role in the movement of people, objects, and ideas from the past. The duo used a combination of hand hammering techniques to bring to life this timeless object which is a nod to the past. The walnut tray was made by Stephen O’Briain.