Eastern journeys
Britannia silver
H 80mm x W 90mm
2011

As part of my residency at Kedleston Hall, I was commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Company to make a silver tumbler cup inspired by the property. The commission gave me the chance to draw inspiration from the house and interpret my experience into the design of this piece.

During my design research, I was fascinated to discover the two parallel worlds that exist at Kedleston Hall.

One part of Kedleston Hall is a great show palace, designed by Robert Adam as an 18th Century take on the grandeur of ancient Rome and sitting alongside this world is the Eastern museum on the ground floor, which displays a vast collection of exotic Eastern treasures amassed by Lord Curzon as Viceroy of India.

In the design of my silver tumbler cup, I hope that I have been able to capture some of the intricate detailing and appealing motifs that I have discovered, such as the imagery of mythical creatures on the lacquer boxes and peacock feathers inspired by Lady Curzon’s exquisite peacock dress. The scaly deep carving on the post of the state bed forms the backdrop to my design. The classical motif of an acanthus leaf references to Robert Adam’s architectural interior.

The evocation of the wave like rhythms speaks of the treasures on display, each connected to an individual story brought back from voyages to classical Rome and the Far East in the early 20th century.

Learn more about the Making of the Kedleston Tumbler Cup