Pastry Slice
1994 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Peterson’s sculptural aptitude is very evident in this piece, which is original in concept and design. Form has triumphed over function in this complex and elaborate construction, which questions the relationship between inner and outer spaces. The handle recalls the fossil belemnite form, where the inner body has been replaced with a ‘skeleton’ of stone. The strength of line and of outline connects this piece with other styles that focus on powerful linear forms. Hence the creator’s sympathy with Celtic traditions and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s attenuated rectilinear forms, which were the precursors of the Modern Movement.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver and copper |
| Brief description | Silver and copper, USA, Saratoga Springs, New York State, 1994, designed and made by David Petersen |
| Physical description | This article is basically a striking sculptural concept, of limited functional capability. The oval blade is in two parts: an outer segment with a polished surface, and an inner asymmetric oval that is pierced with a raised oval shape and which has a glass-bead blasted, dull-grey, stone-like surface. The four struts of the handle are held by a vertical oval ring that joins the horizontal flat of the stem. Two copper pins on the inner oval are ornamental. On the underside, three copper pins hold the front end of the vertical strut; another holds the strut at the rear of the inner oval. The underside of the inner oval is chased with a densely stippled surface. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Inscribed with the mark for David Petersen |
| 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 |
| Historical context | Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers. |
| Summary | Peterson’s sculptural aptitude is very evident in this piece, which is original in concept and design. Form has triumphed over function in this complex and elaborate construction, which questions the relationship between inner and outer spaces. The handle recalls the fossil belemnite form, where the inner body has been replaced with a ‘skeleton’ of stone. The strength of line and of outline connects this piece with other styles that focus on powerful linear forms. Hence the creator’s sympathy with Celtic traditions and Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s attenuated rectilinear forms, which were the precursors of the Modern Movement. |
| Bibliographic reference | Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford, Contemporary Silver, commissioning designing collecting, London, Merrell, pp.138-9. ill. ISBN.1858941040 |
| Other number | LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.139-2005 - previous loan number |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.112-2008 |
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| Record created | May 12, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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