Fish Slice
2003 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This server takes its inspiration from natural forms. It is a naturalistic piece shaped as an elegant swan. The long oval blade which forms the body is slightly ridged along its centre creating the back bone of the animal and giving the piece a pleasing sense of balance and symmetry. The handle swoops upwards in a graceful curve to form the neck, finishing with an accurately detailed head with silver eyeball, flattened skull and ridged beak. The texturing of this server exhibits masterly skill. The feather pattern engraving on the blade and handle create a highly effective natural texture and the polished detailing along the back and beak beautifully offset the rougher surface. This simple design strikes a successful balance between beauty and function.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Sterling silver |
| Brief description | Silver, Sheffield hallmarks for 2003, mark of Brett Payne |
| Physical description | The server takes the form of a graceful swan. The head and neck serve as a handle; the body as blade. The bevelled long-oval blade is slightly convex in profile so as to enhance its naturalism and, with the handle, it is completely engraved with simulated feather texture. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Gallery label | This collection of silver slices, all commissioned over a period of twenty years by Professor Benton Seymour Rabinovitch FRS, is proof of the skill and diversity of contemporary silversmiths. Each artist craftsman has responded to the familiar functional form of the slice in an individual way, producing an astonishingly diverse range of interpretations. Each piece becomes an enchanting, decorative work of art. Professor Rabinovitch established a close rapport with each artist, always encouraging a freedom of creative expression. The response of these silversmiths has been not only to be strikingly imaginative but also to honour him by giving him their best work.
This collection is testimony to the significant contribution that one individual can make to supporting the craft of silversmithing. After commissioning work from some of the most illustrious names in British and North American silversmithing, Professor Rabinovitch has very generously donated his entire collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum, through the American Friends of the V&A.(2005) |
| Credit line | Given by the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Professor B. Seymour Rabinovitch |
| Object history | Fairfax House Fish & Cake Slice exhibition RF.2004/419 Historical significance: Brett Payne describes his creative process as a "continual evolution of thought and interpretation". He believes that the design of a piece is inextricably linked with its manufacture. The interplay between a concept and its realisation in silver is for him the most engaging aspect of his work. His inspiration and initial ideas are shaped and propelled onwards by the nature of the material. |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This server takes its inspiration from natural forms. It is a naturalistic piece shaped as an elegant swan. The long oval blade which forms the body is slightly ridged along its centre creating the back bone of the animal and giving the piece a pleasing sense of balance and symmetry. The handle swoops upwards in a graceful curve to form the neck, finishing with an accurately detailed head with silver eyeball, flattened skull and ridged beak. The texturing of this server exhibits masterly skill. The feather pattern engraving on the blade and handle create a highly effective natural texture and the polished detailing along the back and beak beautifully offset the rougher surface. This simple design strikes a successful balance between beauty and function. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch, Contemporary Silver, Part II: Recent Commissions, Seattle, 2005, pp. 34-5. ill. |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.98-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.71-2008 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | July 12, 2007 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
