What to see at Goldsmiths' Fair: contemporary silver and modern design among metalwork on show at key event

A period of financial uncertainty is a good time to invest in craftwork with intrinsic value in the metal.

Silver prices have risen by more than 24 per cent since early last year. Contemporary silver is an unusual combination of the functional, the valuable and the artistic.

Londoners are well placed to discover metalwork’s charms at Goldsmiths’ Fair, running from September 24 over a fortnight, with different makers both weeks.

The interest in contemporary metal has been growing, fuelled by the increasing number of young makers bringing a radical approach that chimes with modern design.

Naama Haneman, an Israeli silversmith now settled in London, makes rather anthropomorphic-feeling silver vessels.

“By using a few basic tools and the heat from a flame I am able to control the metal and sculpt it with natural movements through the beat of my hammer,” she says.

Jessica Jue’s work also has a rounded aesthetic, though a rather more formal one.

She takes her inspiration from organic themes, creating a sense of movement and rhythm using traditional techniques of raising and chasing to create flowing textures.

Her work is functional and includes platters, spoons and beakers.

Manasi Depala is another young silversmith who uses chasing to decorate her rather more traditional silver.

“My work is influenced by my mixed cultural background due to my Indian upbringing in Britain. I have a wide interest in both eastern and western styles of decoration and enjoy using architectural details as a basis for decoration.”

So does young Chinese silversmith, now based in Birmingham, Zhang Sheng.

He is inspired by minimalist art and contemporary architecture.

He works in oxidised sterling silver to create striking geometric vessels, with sharp incisions, that allow the light to go through the pieces and indicate different spaces through the shadow.

Helena Russell, another young graduate, working in Sheffield, also makes distinctive pieces.

“My work ranges from vessels, which hopefully intrigue the user through their form, to containers that are inspired by mechanical movements. I use a range of traditional silversmithing techniques such as raising, forming, spinning and patination, a way of colouring metal with a mixture of chemicals.”

She often contrasts the crispness of silver with tarnished metals.

Combining metals is the contemporary trend. Callum Partridge mixes different coloured metals in work influenced by Cubism and Abstract movements in art.

“Mixed metals give a varied colour palette. This contrast represents the natural versus the industrial world. The use of two metals, particularly silver and brass, adds an element of drama to the pieces.”

Hazel Thorn explores colour and is influenced by her background in the Scottish countryside.

She creates different coloured strips of metal, chopping them up and reassembling then into dynamic vessels and bowls.

“At the core of my work is an essential interest in metal and its various qualities.”

Patrick Davison studied with eminent European masters. He creates his own finely detailed composite coloured boxes and containers.

In contrast Samuel Waterhouse is self-taught. “I use an adaptation of a Korean technique which traditionally involves the fusing of fine gold and fine silver. In my most recent work I have developed it to create a golden watercolour effect with a variety of coloured golds.”

There are new works by established silversmiths including Tamar De Vries Winter and Ane Christensen, while jeweller Sarah Stafford has branched out to produce stunning wall pieces.

Goldsmiths’ Fair, Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, EC2 (Week One: Sept 24-29, Week Two: Oct 1-6)

The fair is closed Monday September 30; 11am-6pm (Thurs late till 8pm);​ 11am-4pm Sunday

Admission: £18 one week, £24 for both weeks (early bird reductions until September 24).