Reading Foundation for Art ‘The Collection of Art owned by the People of Reading’, which was established in 1974 and is housed at the Reading Museum, has a long and rich history of commissioning artists and craftspeople to create works to strengthen this diverse collection. An evening reception at Haslams on Friar Street is being prepared for 7th April, when the Trustees will announce one the most exciting projects undertaken, to date, which celebrates and supports the unique silversmiths of Bishopsland Educational Trust. Since 1993, Bishopsland, based just outside Reading, has been providing postgraduate training in silversmithing and jewelling, producing some of the finest craftspeople working in this discipline today. Internationally recognised, this post-graduate centre helps newly-established self-employed silversmiths and jewellers to develop their skills and pursue their careers within the industry.
The Bishopsland silversmiths were asked to make a sculptural form based on the simple shape of a traditional caddy spoon. Historically, caddy spoons have always been made of silver and were in common use in the 19th century, when tea was a very expensive commodity. Consisting of a shallow bowl and short handle this shape can be interpreted in a myriad of ways and the brief encouraged original design techniques while taking advantage of contemporary sculptural forms. Upon completion, the silver caddy spoons will be on view in Reading Museum and will become a valuable part of the Foundation’s art collection owned by and for the benefit of the people of Reading.
An evening reception, to be held at Reading Estate Agents Haslams on 7th April, will mark the significance of this event and celebrate the achievements of Bishopsland. It also offers the opportunity to celebrate the active work of the RFA’s Trustees and their relationship with Haslams who have been a committed supporter of the Foundation, helping to raise funds to and source further local sponsors from the Reading area to support this, and other, exciting projects.
If you are interested in attending the event at Haslams, 159 Friar Street on 7th April, or learning more about the Bishopsland Commission, please contact Rosie James at Haslams. To learn about supporting the RFA and explore their collection, visit their website www.rffa.org.uk.
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