Not on display

Fish Slice

1993 (made)
Artist/Maker
Richardson, Justin and Ottewill, Steven (designer and maker)
Place of origin
London (hallmarked)

The piece suggests the vitality of a sea creature in the dynamic fluidity of the bold curves and twisting handle. It deftly conjures a "fish-like" essence through the raised scalloped edge and the intertwining curves of the handle. The piece strikes a harmonious balance between contrasts; polished smooth surfaces and chased detail, asymmetry and uniform shapes. The focus on function can be seen through practical details; the raised edge serving to contain the food and the lack of crevices facilitating cleaning. The lapis lazuli finial injects a natural splendour to the piece reminiscent of Art Nouveau work. The piece is an elegant fusion of beauty and practicality.

Object details

Categories
Metalwork
Eating
Object type
Fish slice
Materials and techniques
Sterling silver, lapis lazuli
Silver
Lapis-Lazuli
Raising
Brief description
Silver and lapuis-lazuli, London hallmarks for 1993, mark of Justin Richardson and Steve Ottewill
Physical description
The blade is derived from the long oval shape and has a bevelled left edge and a wide, scalloped, fin-like, raised right side. The raised handle is of hollow construction and consists of two intertwined rolling curves that splay out into a four leaf flower holding a lapis-lazuli cabochon finial. It has a bright, butler finish, contrasted by the ribbed section.
Dimensions
  • Length: 35cm
  • Weight: 331g
Marks and inscriptions
  • London hallmarks for 1993,
  • Mark of Justin Richardson and Steven Ottewill
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
Object history
Historical significance: The artists' were greatly influenced and inspired by past artistic movements. The timeless forms of nature that inspired the Art Nouveau movement are seen in this piece. The commission of this piece offered the perfect opportunity for the artists to explore the relationship between artistry and practicality.
Historical context
Part of a collection of fish slices commissioned by Professor Rabinovitch from contemporary North American and British makers.
Summary
The piece suggests the vitality of a sea creature in the dynamic fluidity of the bold curves and twisting handle. It deftly conjures a "fish-like" essence through the raised scalloped edge and the intertwining curves of the handle. The piece strikes a harmonious balance between contrasts; polished smooth surfaces and chased detail, asymmetry and uniform shapes. The focus on function can be seen through practical details; the raised edge serving to contain the food and the lack of crevices facilitating cleaning. The lapis lazuli finial injects a natural splendour to the piece reminiscent of Art Nouveau work. The piece is an elegant fusion of beauty and practicality.
Bibliographic reference
Benton Seymour Rabinovitch and Helen Clifford, Contemporary Silver, commissioning, designing, collecting, London, Merrell, 2000, pp. 80-81. ill. ISBN.1858941040
Other number
LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.99-2005 - previous loan number
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
M.72-2008

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Record createdJuly 10, 2007
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O137134/fish-slice-richardson-justin-and/
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