Across two exclusive insight days, students stepped behind the scenes at Thomas Lyte to discover the craftsmanship, creativity and expertise that go into designing and making exceptional silverware.
Hosted in partnership with The Creative Dimension Trust, our London workshop opened its doors to a select number of motivated students to experience an immersive introduction to the world of our prestigious craft. Guided through the workshop, they discovered all the different stages involved in bringing our bespoke pieces to life, from silversmithing and polishing to plating and etching.
The day provided an opportunity to learn directly from those working within the industry. Our skilled craftspeople shared their experiences and knowledge, offering an honest insight into the skills, dedication and career opportunities involved in working within the world of traditional craftsmanship.
Among those helping to welcome the students was Idris Tetlow, a final-year apprentice at Thomas Lyte. Idris’s journey began with The Creative Dimensions Trust before developing into a foundation course at the Goldsmiths Centre, making his involvement in the insight days a particularly fitting full-circle moment. Having once experienced the organisation as a student, he was now able to share his own journey into silversmithing and help introduce the next generation to the craft
The experience then transitioned into making, with the students being given the opportunity to put some of the techniques they had discovered into practice. Working alongside the Thomas Lyte team, they created their own key rings, developing an individual design before seeing it etched onto the metal.
Kevin Hart, our master silversmith at Thomas Lyte, expertly guided the students through the practical activity, while Joseph Salem, our engraver, supported them with their artwork. Finally, Paul Adaway, our master polisher, demonstrated the skill and precision involved in using a polishing lathe for the finishing touches. The students were able to follow their designs through the process and leave with a piece they had created themselves.
For Thomas Lyte, opportunities such as these are an important part of opening up the world of traditional craftsmanship to a new generation. By bringing students into the workshop, introducing them to the people behind the craft and giving them the opportunity to make something themselves, the insight days offered a genuine experience of what it means to work within the industry.
Developing the next generation of craftspeople is an important part of our commitment to the future of our craft. From introducing young people to the possibilities of a career in craftsmanship to supporting apprentices as they develop their skills, we are proud to create an environment where new talent can learn, contribute and grow.
And, through Idris, the insight days offered a fitting reminder of what that journey can look like – from discovering a passion for craft as a student to becoming part of the team helping to shape its future.
Read about our press mentions and awards for the project
We have selected a number of case studies that demonstrate the broad range of our capabilities designing and making in precious metals.
