Table knife, stainless steel prototype submitted to Viners, Sheffield, 1967

Stainless steel knife prototype submitted to Viners. The blade curves upwards towards the tip, the handle has a modulated thickness and curves slightly downwards towards the end.

Given by Viners of Sheffield

This knife was the winner of a prize in the Viners International Tableware Competition held in 1967. Ian Beech, a designer with the Cheltenham Tool Co Ltd and John Limbrey who worked as an assistant to Robert Welch were awarded joint second prize of £250. The first prize of £1000 went to Robert Glover for his three piece place setting (M.199,A-B,-1978). No prizes were awarded in the hollowware section.

The announcement of the competition and invitation for entries was published in the Design Journal, 1966.

Tableware Viners Ltd of Sheffield has organised a design competition open to designers and students throughout the world. Two prizes are offered, the first of £1,050 for a design of a seven piece place setting in sterling silver, silver plate, or stainless steel; the second of £525 for a design of a tea and coffee service in any of the three materials. In addition, the award winners and other competitors whose designs are selected for production by Viners will receive royalties. In making their choice of award winning designs, the judges will not only consider the appearance of each entry but also the economics of manufacture, fitness for purpose and modern marketing trends. The panel of judges comprises Professor Robert Goodden, Henri Vienot, Frisco Kramer, and Brian Viner and Leslie Glatman of Viners. The chairman of the judging panel is Paul Reilly. The closing date for the competition, which is being organised in collaboration with the ColD, is 31 January 1967. Notice of intent to enter should be sent to Viners by October 1. Further details are available from the organiser, International Tableware Design Competition, Viners of Sheffield, PO Box 13, Broomhall Street, Sheffield 3.

M.195-1978