Not on display

Pastry Slice

1994 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This server is a freely formed version of the infrequent, small, mid eighteenth century pastry trowel. The style is a very personal one. It draws from the patterns and images of growth, life and death that the artist sees in nature. It is itself almost like a "found object"; a natural specimen that holds all the surprise of a glinting rock embedded in a stratum. Helen Shirk has boldly exploited the extensive range of texture effects that are possible in silver.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Silver and 14 carat gold, hammered
Brief description
Silver and 14 carat gold, USA, LaMesa, California, 1994, designed and made by Helen Shirk
Physical description
The server has a narrow triangular blade made up of several long irregular strips running most of the length of the blade and overlapped double in most places. The surface is further embellished by laid-on, irregular, narrow gold strips. The handle is constituted of five strips, all of convex form so as to make an irregularly rounded hollow handle of roughly oval cross section. The surface is decorated on top of the blade and both sides of the handle by a scored, engraved effect that was achieved by irregular hammer blows with a sharply scored hammer face and which gives the surface a bright cut, crystalline appearance. The server proves to be quite functional for both cake and pastry.
Dimensions
  • Length: 30.5cm
  • Weight: 132g
  • Width: 5.5cm
Marks and inscriptions
Inscribed: H.SHIRK STERLING 14K
Gallery label
(2005)
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.
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
This server is a freely formed version of the infrequent, small, mid eighteenth century pastry trowel. The style is a very personal one. It draws from the patterns and images of growth, life and death that the artist sees in nature. It is itself almost like a "found object"; a natural specimen that holds all the surprise of a glinting rock embedded in a stratum. Helen Shirk has boldly exploited the extensive range of texture effects that are possible in silver.
Bibliographic reference
Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford, Contemporary Silver, commissioning designing collecting, London, Merrell, pp.146-7. ill. ISBN.1858941040
Other number
LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.145-2005 - previous loan number
Collection
Accession number
M.118-2008

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

Record createdMay 13, 2008
Record URL
Download as: JSON