Victor Azzopardi

Jewellery maker

©Inigo Taylor

Malta's last silversmith

Victor’s ancestors began crafting silver in the 1800s
His first crafted piece was a cameo brooch
He likes each handcrafted piece to tell a story

Victor Azzopardi has almost five decades of experience in silversmithing, and is the only master silversmith left still practising in Malta. He inherited an interest in the craft from his family, which is renowned for creating some of the most refined and intricate pieces of silverware on the island since the 1800s. From his early teens, he has been honing and perfecting his silversmithing skills, beginning as an apprentice to some of the most experienced local masters of the craft in the 1970s and 80s before moving to Italy and the United Kingdom to continue his studies. He blends the contemporary with the traditional by reproducing silver artefacts that were originally created in the 17th and 18th centuries using age-old techniques, all while adapting the wares to contemporary living. He is driven by the desire to create appreciable and timeless silver artefacts.

Interview

©Inigo Taylor

©Inigo Taylor

What do you find fascinating about your craft?: Silver and goldsmithing is an ancient art that starts from nothing more than a single grain of pure silver and gold. It takes knowledge and the mastery of skills to create an artefact. Even though the final product is usually luxurious, it requires days of patience, creativity, passion and hours of physical labour.
What is the state of the silversmithing craft in Malta?: Unfortunately, the very few local craftsmen that were left have been dwindling at an alarming rate, leaving me to be the sole active Maltese silversmith. The purpose of developing the Artigjan platform is to preserve a unique part of living history as well as to create an awareness of the importance of this craft.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?: From the Maltese silver heritage, which is renowned globally and stems from the revered influence of the Knights of the Order of St. John, who settled in Malta and enriched the culture of the Maltese people. This, together with the evolution of the Maltese identity and its long-standing traditions are a key source of inspiration for me.
What principles guide your craft?: Consistently applying the highest level of attention to detail and using no shortcuts in the process, because keeping the workmanship at a high standard consistently, is of great importance to me. At the same time, I am guided by my passion and life around me, always remaining open to learning while refining my skills.

Victor Azzopardi is a master artisan: he began his career in 1975 and he started teaching in 1990