GERALD BENNEY (1930-2008), A PAIR OF SILVER SUGAR CASTERS

拍品描述

GERALD BENNEY (1930-2008)- A PAIR OF SILVER SUGAR CASTERS LONDON 1972 Of tapering cylindrical form with alternating polished and bark texture decoration 16.4cm high, 533g (17.1oz) In his biography of Gerald Benney (Gerald Benney Goldsmith, London 1998), the author Graham Hughes relates how the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths was the craftsman's first major patron- and established a record of over 47 years of patronage. A succession of business, private and Royal patrons followed- the latter with such success that Benney became the first British craftsmen to hold four Royal Warrants at the same time. Following commissions and collaborations with Charles Clee, and the financier Michael Behrens for his bank, the Ionian, his next big patron was Alistair McAlpine, who was running his family building and contracting company. He invited Gerald to put up a temporary building as a place of work at the company's empty site Falcon Wharf on the Thames riverfront. Alistair was a lover of all the modern arts, a powerful socialite, an ideal patron if you could retain his interest. Together with his then wife he went on to commission over 450 works from Benney and introduced his work and talent to his friends and family- in this case his older brother Sir William. The lots in this auction reflect the delight of craftsman and Sir WIlliam took in elevating everyday household items into things of rarity- and beauty.Gerald Benney was not just a brilliant silversmith; he was so much larger than life. He and his wife Janet threw outrageous parties and were fantastic guests at their friends' parties. If Gerald was present at Chelsea Arts Club, you knew it! I feel fortunate to have counted them as friends. So - why am I selling so much that he created Because it spends too much time in cupboards when it should be constantly in use. Every piece is a joy to hold, the cutlery is heavy but perfectly balanced, and unique. This set was a prototype for a Viners' design called Sable but considerably larger, heavier of course as Viners produced it in stainless steel. My husband and his brother commissioned so much from Gerald to give to others, but they also bought pieces for each other. I'm keeping those. Lady McAlpine.

图片