Precious Creations

Renowned silversmith Séamus Gill has been creating traditionally crafted pieces for more than 41 years.

- CLAIRE CRAIG

As one of Ireland's leading silversmiths, Séamus Gill uses the traditional skills of his craft to produce bespoke tableware, jewellery and sculptures.

Using a hammer and anvil Séamus transforms a flat sheet of silver or bronze into elegant three-dimensional forms.

The Dublin-based creative explains, 'I am a silversmith. The term comes from the old English word to "smite" meaning to strike a blow, and in this case it means striking silver with a hammer which describes the process of what I do.

'The skills of silversmithing are used in all aspects of my work. In the great tradition of Irish silversmithing I make functional pieces of silverware for fine dining at the table but also make presentation pieces and awards.

'Those same skills are also used on a smaller scale to make silver jewellery. Another aspect of my work is that I use silversmithing skills to form sheet bronze into sculptural pieces.'

Séamus first fell in love with the art at craft school in Kilkenny and now, some 41 years on, his work has been shipped all over the world, with high-profile recipients including Bob Geldof, Pope Francis, King Harald V of Norway and King Albert II of Belgium.