Thomas Lyte continue their partnership with The Emirates FA Cup to collaborate with one of the world’s most exciting young artists, Olaolu Slawn, creating a special edition FA Cup Trophy.
As part of their ongoing partnership with The FA, Thomas Lyte were commissioned to craft a unique edition of the Emirates FA Cup. Collaborating with Nigerian artist, Olaolu Slawn, Thomas Lyte exhibited the full potential of their mission to combine traditional skills with modern methods.
Royal Warrant holders to Her Late Majesty the Queen, Thomas Lyte, were the master craftsmen behind The Emirates FA Cup x Slawn trophy. Working directly with Nigerian artist, Olaolu Slawn, Thomas Lyte pushed the boundaries of design and craft to reinvent one of the most coveted awards in global football.
Since 2011, Thomas Lyte have been the makers of the current edition of The Emirates FA Cup trophy as part of their partnership as official silverware suppliers to The FA. This partnership extends to the design, craft and maintenance of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the provision of bespoke medals for each respective competition. Thomas Lyte are the custodians of the blueprint for the design of The FA Cup. This asset proved invaluable in the early stages of the design process of this limited edition piece of silverware.
Slawn’s drawing took shape, a clear vision emerged and collaboration had begun. This original artwork would now be expertly transformed into a 3D trophy, with a focus on manufacturing possibilities and structural integrity. This process demanded continued collaboration with our workshop team as, no matter how expansive the idea, it must be possible to assemble, polish and engrave the trophy. Visual model options were presented by Thomas Lyte, and selected by Slawn, in order to hone the process from concept to final design. As the trophy edged towards final approval, it became clear that Thomas Lyte’s dedication to their ethos – traditional skills meeting modern methodology – would be at the forefront of this one-of-a-kind piece.
Thomas Lyte’s extensive experience in crafting beautiful and iconic silverware through the foundational medium of 3D design and production includes, but is not limited to, the Esports World Cup and the Egyptian Premier League Shield. The Slawn FA Cup trophy was 3D printed at the highest resolution, and electroformed. A process of spraying in copper, and fusing onto the trophy a thick layer of silver. The handles were cast in brass and plated in silver, and the foot of the trophy was spun from a sheet of metal. Before final assembly, the trophy made it’s way into our custom-built polishing shop, where the trophy achieved the gleaming finish you see today.
The back of Slawn’s FA Cup features the artist’s signature, alongside the logos of Thomas Lyte and The FA respectively. These characteristics were skilfully engraved onto the trophy’s body. The engraving of Slawn’s signature followed the direction and flow of his unique penmanship to ensure maximum accuracy and realism. After appreciating the numerous details from the sketch that were translated onto the trophy, Slawn’s tagline “Amen” was engraved onto the trophy’s body. A total of 23 spheres and teeth can be counted on the finial of the trophy, celebrating this milestone project and recognising Slawn’s age at the time.
This signature and one-of-a-kind trophy was assembled and completed, ready to be presented to the artist and displayed at various events. The first stop was to Slawn’s own workshop, where a photoshoot and interview were held after the official unveiling of the trophy. Present at the unveiling of the Slawn FA Cup, the Emirates FA Cup stood proudly with it’s distinctive counterpart. It’s presence alone transmitting the history and gravitas of such a special and extraordinary project.
@emiratesfacup Slawn x Thomas Lyte 🔥 An iconic tribute to the #FACup trophy 🏆 #emiratesfacup ♬ original sound – Emirates FA Cup
The Emirates FA Cup ‘Cup Culture’ event celebrated football’s heritage and cultural connection with art, music, gaming. The centrepiece of the event was the official public showcase of this remarkable trophy design collaboration between Thomas Lyte and Olaolu Slawn. Held on the week of the final- another Manchester derby – the event had something for everyone. Not least gaming lovers, with The Sidemen’s Tobi Brown (TBJZL) hosting an EAFC Tournament.
Music for the event was provided by football fanatic and UK rap star AJ Tracey. A VR headset, meanwhile, gave a truly immersive FA Cup experience for those willing to give it a try. Fans and leading figures in fashion, gaming, music and art took the opportunity to create photo and video content next to the Slawn FA Cup. A strong Thomas Lyte team were also present ensuring the trophy was in perfect condition for the occasion.
The Emirates FA Cup is, and always has been, a fusion of modernity. Values which both define the competition and are shared by Thomas Lyte.
Materials. Resin, Silver Plate
Workshop Processes. 3D print, electroforming, plating, polishing, engraving
Thomas Lyte are proud to be the makers of the Slawn FA Cup Trophy.
Glance over these trivia questions about this special edition work of art.
