Not on display

Fish Slice

2004 (made)
Artist/Maker
Christensen, Ane (designer and maker)
Place of origin
London (made)

This article is representative of a newer and freer philosophic expression that has been slowly pervading British metal work. By use of simple technique of slicing (sawing) the metal, the artist fulfils her concept of the three-dimensional sculptural aestheticism that can be drawn out of the plane metal - while at the same time reverting to modernist deemphasis of decorative elements. By contrast, the work of Angus McFayden illustrates the decorative aesthetic that highly developed piercing skill can achieve in the 2-D conformation.

Delve deeper

Discover more about this object
interact Serving up: silver slices Rummage hard enough through your kitchen drawers and you might find a metal server for slicing and serving fish, cakes, pies and puddings. Today slices are often reserved for special occasions, but they were once the height of fashion, specially designed for specific foods – from 'knight s...

Object details

Categories
Eating
Metalwork
Object type
Fish slice
Materials and techniques
Silver
Sterling Silver
Brief description
Silver, London hallmarks for 2004, mark of Ane Christensen
Physical description
The server is named by its maker as “The One Meter Fish Slice”. It is made form a single strip of 16-gauge metal that tapers from 4cm in width at the blade end down to 2.5cm at the terminal. The “blade” is approximately 12cm in length. It then passes through a series of loops and turns having an orientation transverse to the blade. They provide a 3-point rest for the server and which allow it to rock forward and back. The sturdy loops also provide a “squeezable” hand-hold for grasping the server. The blade is poised at an angle to the horizontal (the table top). The server is a piece of sculptural art and only formally functional.
Dimensions
  • Length: 24cm
  • Weight: 375g
Marks and inscriptions
  • London hallmarks for 2004
  • Mark of Ane Christensen
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
Fish & Cake slice exhibition RF.2004/419
Summary
This article is representative of a newer and freer philosophic expression that has been slowly pervading British metal work. By use of simple technique of slicing (sawing) the metal, the artist fulfils her concept of the three-dimensional sculptural aestheticism that can be drawn out of the plane metal - while at the same time reverting to modernist deemphasis of decorative elements. By contrast, the work of Angus McFayden illustrates the decorative aesthetic that highly developed piercing skill can achieve in the 2-D conformation.
Bibliographic reference
Benton Seymour Rabinovitch, Contemporary Silver, Part II Recent Commissions, Seattle, RAB Associates, 2005, pp.16-17. ill.
Other number
LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.68-2005 - previous loan number
Collection
Metalwork Collection
Accession number
M.41-2008

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 9, 2008
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O154378/fish-slice-christensen-ane/
Download as: JSON