Pruden & Smith
The Pruden and Smith workshops in Ditchling have established a name for high quality, handmade, contemporary silverware and jewellery. Formed in heavy hallmarked silver and gold, hammer marks are usually left in. Alongside three generations of uncompromising craftsmanship in Anton’s family, Rebecca’s fine art training ensures design excellence.
Date of Birth: Pruden and Smith founded 1988.
Associations: ABDS,BJA,FSDC
Awards: 2001: The Jules Award for best non-jewellery product range.
Commissions:
2005: Silver tableware for the Oceano Alfa Four
2005: Pectral Cross & Ring for the Bishop of Plymouth
2004: Incense boat for Portsmouth Cathedral
2004: St Margaret’s Chalices for Marlborough College
2003: Girls and Boys house cups for Hurstpierpoint College
2002: Thuruble and oil jars for Portsmouth Cathedral
2002: Altar vessels for Ely Cathedral
2001: Processional cross, processional candlesticks, altar candlesticks and lighting for the choir stalls, Richmond parish church
2001: Pair of chalices for Portsmouth city council
2001: Oil stocks and paten for St. Johns Cathedral, Portsmouth
2001: The Sparkman and Stephens Trophy for The Fastnet Race
2000:The Bayer Millennium Bowl, The Bayer Corporation
2000: Knife for the millennium canteen, Sheffield Millennium Galleries and the V + A
1999: Mace and chain of office for the incoming president of Rennselaer University, New York presented by Hilary Clinton.
Education:
REBECCA SMITH
1980-1981: Gloucestershire College or Art and Design
1982-1986: BA Hons Fine Art, West Surrey College of Art and Design
2002-2003: PGCE Brighton University
ANTON CHARLES PRUDEN
1977-1980 University of Surrey - Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology
1982-1984 Studied silversmithing with P&A Lowery, Gloucestershire
1984-1985 Workshop in Farnham, Surrey.
Group Exhibitions:
2005: Sheffield Millenium Galleries
2004: Silver as Light, Zilverkunst, The Netherlands
2004: Roger Bilcliffe Gallery, Glasgow
2002: Silver as Water, Zilverkunst, The Netherlands
2002: Silver, A Sterling Adventure. The Royal Cornwall Museum
2002: One Tree, The Geffrye Museum, London
2001: British Silverware, Keith Lippert Gallery, Washington, USA
2000: British Contemporary Silver, The Netherlands
1999: Cutlery exhibition, Goldsmiths Hall, London
1999: British Designer Silver, Hong Kong
1998: Silver and Tea, Goldsmiths Hall, London
1997: UK Now, Melbourne, Australia
1997/98/99: Crafts Council, San Francisco and New York Trade Fairs.
Solo Exhibitions:
Travel: Nationally, Yes Internationally, Yes
Press Quotes: Pruden & Smith Create the Finishing Touch
When Andrew Winch Designs were asked by the builders of the 197ft Oceanco Alfa Four to supply contemporary silver tableware for the yacht, they turned to top British craftsmen, Pruden & Smith. The designer silversmiths handmade magnificent candlesticks and vases in gilded sterling silver for Alfa Four, adding to the beauty of an interior which some call "one of "the best quality, pedigree yachts floating". Pruden & Smith provide cost effective and fine quality hand-crafted tableware and accent pieces to clients worldwide.
Boat International USA Nov/Dec 2005
Maker's Statement:
The Pruden and Smith silver and goldsmithing workshops in Ditchling provide a total design to make service in precious metals and have established a name for high quality, functional, handmade, contemporary silverware and fine jewellery.
Applications for apprentices are welcome.
Studio visits are welcome.
Commissioning Procedure
To begin the process of commissioning a piece, let us know your general requirements and we will send you drawings or photographs of similar past work. After further consultation, we will prepare some drawings especially for you. We research carefully into the requirements of each client. On receipt of a 50% deposit, completion of the work can be expected after some three to six months.
Pricing Policy
Silverware stock items are priced upwards from £55, Jewellery from £20. We work in all precious metals, silver, yellow and white golds and platinum. This can be combined with a variety of diamonds and precious stones, slate or wood. A large amount of stock is kept in our gallery and is available for direct sale. Initial discussions, visits within the UK and sketches for commissioned work are not charged for, Presentation drawings, visits outside of the UK and additional visits are charged at cost.
VAT Registered: Yes
