Gerald Benney

( 1930 - 2008 )

Gerald Benney was one of the most outstanding goldsmiths of the 20th century. With works being continuously produced for over fifty years, from private commissions to mass production. Born in Hull, Yorkshire in 1930. His mother Aileen was a talented silversmith and his Father Ernest was Principal of Brighton College of Art. It was at Brighton College of Art between 1946 and 1948 that he trained as a silversmith under Dunsten Pruden. After two years national service with the Royal Army Service Corps he went to the Royal College of Art under Professor Robert Goodden. In his first year he was awarded a Prince of Wales scholarship. Not only is he known for his designs in silver, but in his early years Benney also used other material to design a range of products including clocks, lamps and prams. Benney found his first workshop at Suffolk House, Whitefield Place, off Tottenham Court Road in London, during his last term at RCA. It was at the RCA that Benney met fellow silversmiths David Mellor and Robert Welch and between them they were to revolutionize post-war silver design. Also, at this time, he met the jeweller John Donald. Early in his career Benney discovered by accident the distinctive surface texturing of silver that was to be come his signature. He inadvertently used a hammer with a damaged head while producing a cup and liked the effect. This surface texturing soon became known as “Benney Bark Finish”. The finish was widely imitated and dominated contemporary silver design for almost two decades. Its success can be attributed to its new contemporary look as well as for the practical reason that it almost eliminated tarnish and fingerprints. In 1963, Benney moved to Beenham House near Reading. It was here that he decided to develop the use of enamels. Starting 1968 he revived the almost-lost art of enameling and he went on to become one of the world’s foremost modern enamelers. In 1969, he moved his London studio to Falcon Wharf, Bankside, where he ended up employing 22 people. In 1973, Benney moved his workshop to warehouses in Bear Lane, Southwark. This was also the year that Goldsmith’s Hall held a retrospective of his work. In 1974, he received his first Royal Warrant, granted by the Queen and again in 1975 by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and HM Queen Elizabeth the Royal Mother. In 1980 a fourth Royal Warrant was granted from HRH the Prince of Wales making Benney the first craftsman to hold four Royal Warrants simultaneously. Between 1957 and 1969 he was a consultant designer for Viners, designing domestic pieces for production in silver, pewter and stainless steel. In 1971 he was given the award Royal Designer for Industry. He was Professor of Silversmithing and Jewellery at the Royal College of Art from 1974 to 1983. His work in silver gained him many patrons. In 1993, together with this son Simon, he opened up a shop at 73 Walton Street, Knightsbridge. In 1995 he was awarded a CBE.