Cake Slice
1998 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This server encapsulates the principles of elegance through simplicity of form and decoration. The blade celebrates the high polish that silver takes while its satisfyingly solid mass is rendered light through the central opening and twenty one drilled decorative holes. The sense of delicacy combined with strength is carried up into the arched handle which echoes the curvaceous lines of the blade. Michael McCrory has achieved a harmony of form and function, sculptural presence and line.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver, forged and pierced |
| Brief description | Silver, London hallmarks for 1998, mark of Michael McCrory |
| Physical description | The lyre shaped blade is sharpened on the ends and the blade halves are strengthened by a sub-surface join towards the front end. The blade carries a simple decorative design of pierced holes that outlines its inner division. An anticlastic hollow handle rises up at an acute angle at the rear. It curls forward so that the hand is over the blade, the long extent of which provides a considerable useful surface. |
| 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 context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | This server encapsulates the principles of elegance through simplicity of form and decoration. The blade celebrates the high polish that silver takes while its satisfyingly solid mass is rendered light through the central opening and twenty one drilled decorative holes. The sense of delicacy combined with strength is carried up into the arched handle which echoes the curvaceous lines of the blade. Michael McCrory has achieved a harmony of form and function, sculptural presence and line. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford, Contemporary Silver, commissioning designing collecting, London, Merrell, pp.68-9. ill. ISBN.1858941040 |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.91-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.64-2008 |
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 | May 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
