Statement
I enjoy working to commission; I have often been told by clients how the process of commissioning a piece of silver has been so enjoyable and rewarding. Discussing a brief with a customer, understanding their interests, discussing the function and shape and then meeting to look at the fist sketches is very exciting.
As the piece progresses I keep the customers informed leading to the final presentation where I hope I have created something that sums up all of the clients wishes and aspirations. Customers often ask for a watercolour of the final design as a reminder of the commission especially if it has been given as a present or a gift.
Curriculum Vitae
ROD KELLY M.A. (RCA) GOLDSMITH SILVERSMITH
Born Reading Berkshire 1956
2004 Started to build a workshop in Shetland.
1986 Moved to Norfolk shared a workshop with my wife Sheila McDonald, Enameller - Jeweller.
1983-1986 Workshop and studio in London.
Education
1980-1983 Royal College of Art. M.A. (RCA) Silversmithing.
1976-1979 U.C.E. Birmingham. 1st Class Hons 3D Design.
1975 Foundation Course in Art. Lancashire Polytechnic.
Awards
2022 Advisor to The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust Marchmont House Project
2020 Gold medal presented by Qest and The Royal Warrant Holde
2018 Member of the Education Commitee The Goldmsiths Company
2008 Queen Elizabeth 1st £5 Crown for The Royal Mint.
2006 Designed new Two-pound coin for Royal Mint to celebrate the work of I.K.Brunel.
2006 -2023 Education Committee. The Goldsmiths’ Company.
2003 Liveryman. Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths’.
2000 D&AD Silver Award for the Most Outstanding Illustration and Graphic design in conjunction with the 1st Class Stamp designed for Royal Mail.
2000 Queen Elizabeth Scholarship for research. Royal Warrant Holders Association.
1987 Selected Member for the Crafts Council Slide Index.
1986 Granted, Freedom of the City of London.
1985 Granted, Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths'.
Special Commissions
Women’s Oxford Cambridge Rowing Trophy sponsored by Newton Investments.
No 10 Downing Street, The Silver Trust.
Coin Designs for Royal Mint and a Millenium 1st ClassStamp for Royal Mail.
A Golden Wedding Anniversary present for the late Mr Harry Oppenheimer and Mrs Bridget Oppenheimer.
Gold bowl for The Goldsmiths’ Company and Minorco Mining Company.
Diamond dish for De Beers. King George VI Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Work in the collections of:
The V&A Museum
National Museum of Scotland,
Crafts Council Collection,
Norwich Castle Museum,
Birmingham Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge
The Ashmolean Museum Oxford
Livery Companies including:
The Goldsmiths’ Company
The Fishmongers’ Company
The Merchant Taylors’ Company
The Ironmongers’ Company
The Weavers’ Company
The Royal Artillery Company
New College Oxford
Newnham College, Cambridge
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.
Ecclesiastical Pieces for:
St Paul’s Cathedral, York Minster, Lichfield Cathedral, St John’s Wood Church London, Leeds Catholic Cathedral. Royal Naval Chaplaincy Portsmouth. Chapel, New College Oxford. Eton College Chapel.
Recent Commissions include:
A large bound Silver Bible for the V&A Museum commissioned by the Whiteley Trust.
A silver mace for Henley Management College, Pieces for Boodles Club and for Whites Club.
The Golden Jubilee stakes celebrating Her Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee commissioned by the Duke of Devonshire for Ascot.
Silver and Enamel Dish and Ewer for The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford.