Vicki Ambery-Smith

Silversmith

©Vicki Ambery-Smith

©Paul Read

©Vicki Ambery-Smith

Precious buildings

Vicki creates finely detailed silverware inspired by architecture
All her jewellery is designed to be worn comfortably
She has exhibited internationally for over 20 years

Vicki Ambery-Smith creates delicate and ornate small-scale jewellery and boxes inspired by real and imaginary buildings. “I call myself a silversmith, but people assume I make jewellery made from silver. Jewellery is for wearing. Silversmithing refers to objects.” Especially attracted to the structural clarity and minimal ornament of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, she also uses forms reminiscent of the modernist structures of Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. “After Art School I made my first ring based on a Baroque church. This was the beginning of my career on this architectural theme.” Her finely detailed silverwork can be seen in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Scottish Museum, East Midlands Arts, Houston University, Texas and many others.

Interview

©Paul Read

©Ekaterina Spivakovski

Was silver your first love?: I embarked on an Art Foundation course thinking I would go into theatre design. My tutor commented that my drawing always focused on small 3D details, so – in a way – silverwork was an obvious home for me. I went on to take a three-year degree in jewellery design at Hornsey College of Art.
Which architecture inspires you most?: Architecture of all eras and styles, though a building must be suitable to be miniaturised and still be recognisable. But the structures must be adapted rather than merely replicated in miniature, with the effect of distancing them further from their original referent.
When is an object well made?: When it is wearable or it functions properly, such as a smooth fitting lid or a secure catch. It should be a balanced design, with good proportions and something of interest to draw in the eye. It should be well finished and polished, with flat surfaces and no file marks or visible solder joins.
Do you like working on commission?: I find the joint design process very enjoyable, especially when I win the customer round to my idea! This might be for a big birthday or anniversary. Sometimes I have been asked to make a piece in memoriam. To be connected to people at such a profound moment in their lives is such an honour.

Vicki Ambery-Smith is a master artisan: she began her career in 1980 and she started teaching in 1990