As part of the 2025 Broadway Arts Festival a selection of some of the 900 pieces made by approximately 300 silversmiths that form The Pearson Collection - the largest privately owned collection dedicated to post-war and contemporary British silver design in the world - will be exhibited at Court Barn Museum in Chipping Campden from 17 May to 14 June 2025.

The Pearson Silver Collection has its origins in the mid-1980s. Although the Pearsons started collecting British silver in the early 1970s, their initial interest was in domestic items and collectables such as snuff boxes, vinaigrettes, caddy spoons and the like. Their preference was for the antique. However, in 1985 they began to develop an interest in 20th century British silver. When they fully appreciated the scope of the field, they decided to concentrate their interest to Post War silver from 1945 to the present day.

This exhibition will feature works spanning from the 1960s to a newly commissioned piece from 2024, showcasing creations by renowned silversmiths such as Gerald Benney, David Mellor, Stuart Devlin, and Miriam Hanid.

Several of the artists included in the exhibition have ties to the local area:

C.R. Ashbee

Silversmithing played a significant role in the work of architect and designer C.R. Ashbee, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. In the 1880s, he founded the Guild of Handicraft in East London, later relocating it to Chipping Campden in 1902. One of the last remaining workshops established by Ashbee, Hart Gold and Silversmiths, continues to operate today. Among the pieces on display will be a four-piece tea service crafted by Harts in 1967.

Theresa Nguyen

Award-winning artist silversmith Theresa Nguyen was inspired by a meadow on the banks of the River Severn in Worcestershire to create The Meadow Centrepiece. This commission, by The Pearson Silver Collection, enabled Theresa to explore new approaches to her interest in the natural world. The flowers and grasses tremble as if being blown in a light breeze. Theresa is based in the historic Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. She trained as a silversmith at the Birmingham Jewellery School and was awarded the National Young Designer Silversmith Award in 2005. Throughout her career, Theresa has built an impressive portfolio, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with precious metals. Her work has attracted a diverse range of collectors, private clients, corporate bodies, and esteemed professional institutions both in the UK and internationally.

Stella Campion

Stella Campion’s work makes a return to Court Barn with a caddy spoon shaped like a fish. She designs and crafts original pieces in precious metals, using techniques such as chasing and repoussé on silverware to create distinctive effects. Her work has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Company First Prize for her chased silver Pond Pot and the John Downes Oppenheimer Artists Award. She works from her studio in Oxford.

Martyn Pugh

Martyn Pugh, based in the neighbouring county of Worcestershire, established his workshop in 1976. A highly acclaimed silversmith, he has won numerous awards and exhibited extensively. As a member of the Worcestershire Guild of Craftsmen, his designs are distinguished by simple lines, graceful curves, and bold, confident forms, all underpinned by precision, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional mastery of his materials.

Court Barn Curator, Sarah McCormick Healy, said

“we are delighted to show part of this world- renowned collection at the museum. Silversmithing was an important aspect in C.R. Ashbee’s work. In 1909 he published the ‘Modern English Silversmith’ just after the Guild disbanded which featured some 150 designs ranging from mustard pots and salt cellars to a crucifix for Litchfield Cathedral. We are excited to show in this exhibition the same range of work from caddy spoons and table bells to vases and goblets.  Traditional silversmithing, whilst still popular, is a shadow of its former scale in the UK. In highlighting the beauty in these pieces and what can be achieved we want to showcase the amazing skills, expertise and imagination of British Silversmiths.”

Entry to the museum is charged at £7 per person. Full time students and under 25s go free. Attendees of “A Sterling Renaissance – British silver design from the 1950’s to date” and “Robert Welch – Crafting a Design Legacy” receive free entry to the museum.

The Goldsmiths’ Company is proud to support Silver Day at the 2025 Broadway Arts Festival.