01.03.10

Acclaimed silversmith and engraver Malcolm Appleby has set up and awarded the inaugural Creative Engraving Prize at Edinburgh’s Dovecot Studios. The first prize of £700 was presented on Thursday 18 February after a lively talk and discussion by Malcolm, led by Amanda Game of Innovative Craft, at the impressive venue.
The winner, Max Warren, and runner up, Nan Nan Liu both have their work presently on show as part of the Bishopsland Silver Exhibition at the Studios, which explores the development of contemporary silver over the last 30 years. This exhibition includes works by a host of renowned silversmiths, including Malcolm himself.
There was an additional surprise and very poignant prize to the deserving first place winner of engraving tools belonging to the late William Kirk, the acclaimed Scottish silversmith which were generously donated by the Kirk family.
Max said of his award: “It is a great honour to receive this award, especially as it is not purely about technique but focuses on the creative use of engraving which is so important for the future of the discipline. I plan to use the prize to set up my new workshop and to help fund a trip to the USA”

Encouraging New Engravers
Malcolm Appleby (pictured right) has taught Bishopsland Educational Trust students and others for a number of years as well as hosting symposia with the British Hand Engravers Association. He feels it worthwhile to back this up with encouragement to new engravers to enable them to continue their experiments with design and engraving by focusing on engraving with this award.
Speaking of the Award, Malcolm said: “Oliver and Pope Makower of Bishopland Trust have been very supportive and happy to include the award in their 30 year celebration at Innovative Craft’s exhibition at the Dovecot Gallery.
He thanked all those who helped get the award started so quickly together with the judges.
There will be another award in connection with British Silver Week in June this year, based on quality of design and engraving, open to all ages of professionals and students.
More information on engraving or apprenticeships from The Hand Engravers Association, P.O.Box, 60239,London EC1P 1QQ, www.handengravers.co.uk info@handengravers.co.uk 0750 046 2910.