Samuel Waterhouse
Silversmith
London, United Kingdom
Adapting antiquity
- Samuel is entirely self-taught
- He exhibits at the reputable Goldsmiths’ Fair
- He has a flair for creating gold alloys in various colours
Samuel Waterhouse’s approach to making has been unique from the start. While studying English literature, he began silversmithing by learning from two books and a lot of experimentation. “I have never learned from a master, and enjoy the process of teaching myself, as occasionally I believe that this can enable a different approach to making,” he says. From his first silver bangle made for a girlfriend, Samuel has explored and adapted the ancient Korean technique Keum Boo, which involves fusing gold to silver. He also often practises the old technique of raising, by which silver sheet metal can be shaped. In recent years, his work has been shown at Goldsmiths’ Fair in London as part of its collection, which has been Samuel’s quality benchmark since day one.
INTERVIEW
My father showed me a silver spoon that he had made during a night class when he was at university. I was studying English literature when my father taught me a few techniques, so I rented a workbench in Manchester and continued to make.
My approach is to experiment with ideas and techniques. The technique usually comes first and then I ask myself which object would illustrate that technique well, before aiming to incorporate it into a design.
Antiquity hugely influences my work in terms of pattern, form and simplicity. The ‘audacity of simplicity’ of ancient art has always inspired and fascinated me. For me, in terms of style, design and technique, ancient metalwork has never been surpassed.
What I do try to master and develop is the ancient Korean technique Keum Boo which involves fusing fine gold to silver. I have adapted this technique in order to fuse a range of alloys and colours of gold and create patterns with a wider colour palette.
