Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware

Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware I am a Sheffield based silversmith, designing and making my own contemporary silverware to exhibit throughout the UK as well as working to commission.

I also teach silversmithing classes from my studio

Where to find me... Most days I'm in my studio workshop at Yorkshire Artspace's Persistence Works building, in the centr...
30/03/2026

Where to find me...

Most days I'm in my studio workshop at Yorkshire Artspace's Persistence Works building, in the centre of Sheffield. If you'd like to visit to discuss a commission, please do get in contact to arrange an appointment.

Every 3rd weekend in November we have our Open Studios, a free event when all are welcome to come and see behind the scenes in lots of different studios, ask questions and have a chat with makers and artists, view demonstrations, and purchase work.

I also have a website, www.charlottetollyfield.co.uk
I do my best to keep this updated with recent work, events, and classes.

You can also find me, from time to time, at a fair or exhibition. One's I have done regularly are Goldsmiths' Fair in London, and Goldsmiths North here in Sheffield, but I have also exhibited in Edinburgh, Salisbury, Nottinghamshire, Wisely and many other places over the years. So keep an eye on my website and socials, or join my mailing list to be the first to know.

I look forward to meeting you!

I have to admit, I'm not very good at documenting the making process. I get too wrapped up in what I'm doing, and use it...
23/03/2026

I have to admit, I'm not very good at documenting the making process. I get too wrapped up in what I'm doing, and use it as an excuse to stay away from my phone.

Which means, when I do remember to take pictures along the way, it's usually because I'm working on a special project.

Here are a few shots from when I made my Chocolate Pot back in 2021 during my month long scholarship with Brett Payne as part of the South House Silver Trust scheme.

The whole thing took 2 weeks to complete (excluding cleaning up, hallmarking & polishing). Techniques and processes included in it's creation were - raising, forging, spinning (curtesy of David Allison), lathe tuning, filing, forming and soldering.

One of the greatest challenges, particularly in the commissioning process, is communicating ideas effectively. The gener...
21/03/2026

One of the greatest challenges, particularly in the commissioning process, is communicating ideas effectively.

The generation and presentation of designs can take a great deal of time and effort, and as many commission opportunities are competitive, this is work that can often go un-paid. So it is always a great sense of achievement to discover your vision of a brief has won over the client.

You win some, you lose some. It's all part of the job.

Creating pieces to commission for both private and corporate clients allows me to explore different design avenues, and ...
16/03/2026

Creating pieces to commission for both private and corporate clients allows me to explore different design avenues, and expand my making process - helping to drive my silversmithing practice forward.

I have had the pleasure of creating a number of commissions ranging from Christening gifts, to trophies, commemorative and ceremonial pieces, to unique tableware and conversation pieces for the home.

With each commission it's always fascinating to discover what it is people want from an object; what it is they want it to represent and communicate, and how they envisage using it and the life that object will have.

• The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire, Year Piece for the Centenary of Stainless Steel in 2013 - Sterling silver & stainless steel
• St. Philips Church of Leicester, Commemorative Altar Candle Plate, 2014 - Silver plated copper
• Napkin Holders, private commission for the Christmas dining table, 2014 - Sterling silver
• The William Hill St. Leger Stakes Winner's Trophy, 2018 - Sterling silver with gilded details
• Fleur's Christening Cup, private commission, 2020 - Sterling silver with gilded interior
• The Worshipful Company of Barbers, Barber Emeritus Goblets, 2021 - Sterling silver with gilded and oxidised details
• The Tattersall Jug, private commission & posthumous collaboration celebrating the life & work of the client's husband, 2022 - Sterling silver
• The Terry Gadsby Trophy, semi-private commission celebrating the life of a dedicated member of the Trent rowing community, 2023 - Sterling silver & English oak
• The Winetaster, private commission, 2025 - Sterling silver

A simple post for today's March Meet The Maker prompt. I am currently working on a private commission that is due to be ...
13/03/2026

A simple post for today's March Meet The Maker prompt.

I am currently working on a private commission that is due to be a very special gift for someone. This is the silver that arrived from Argex Silver last week and which I am currently transforming into something unique.

The piece is due to be delivered in May, so keep your eyes on my page and I will reveal more once it's been presented to the lucky recipient.

I create simple, beautiful, and most importantly - functional silverware designed to enhance the pleasures of eating and...
09/03/2026

I create simple, beautiful, and most importantly - functional silverware designed to enhance the pleasures of eating and drinking. Whether you're entertaining guests at the dinner table, or indulging in the peace and quiet of a solitary tipple; these pieces add that touch of timeless luxury that elevates any occasion.

• Strawberries & Cream Set - sterling silver, gilding, yew
• Whisky Tumblers - sterling silver, gilding
• Chocolate Pot - sterling silver
• Octagonal Candlesticks - sterling silver, gilding
• Hexagonal Salad Bowl & Servers - sterling silver, ash
• Cocktail Straw-stirers - sterling silver
• Napkin Rings - sterling silver, lacewood
• Hexagonal Candlesticks - sterling silver, gilding, yew
• Bookmark - sterling silver, rosewood
•Whisky Tots - sterling silver, gilding

📷 image 1 Ruth Levene
📷 images 2-7 Jerry Lampson
📷 images 8-10 Keith Leighton

As a silversmith, working in an expensive material on a larger scale (ie. objects, not jewellery), I am a BIG believer i...
06/03/2026

As a silversmith, working in an expensive material on a larger scale (ie. objects, not jewellery), I am a BIG believer in the old adage 'measure twice, cut once'.

That's not to say I haven't made miss-calculations, been over ambitious, or too hasty to start making on occasions over the years and made some VERY expensive mistakes! The only consolation being that silver can be sold back as scrap and SOME money recouped.

Model making is where my trial and error process happens, commonly in paper, card, and papier-mâché as an extension of the sketching phase - investigating scale, visual aesthetics, and ergonomic practicalities. This may then lead to testing in more affordable metals such as copper, brass or gilding metal (sometimes referred to as Base Metals).

I also have a number of part-raised copper bowls laying bout the workshop that I use as active procrastination when I want to create, but not have to think. Sometimes it's just practise, sometimes it leads to the next big project.

🌟 Starlight, star bright 🌟Visitors to this year's Open Studios event will once again get the chance to enter the Lucky ...
14/11/2025

🌟 Starlight, star bright 🌟

Visitors to this year's Open Studios event will once again get the chance to enter the Lucky Star competition and be in with the chance of winning an original piece created by one of the resident artists or makers.

Full details will be shared with you on arrival, but keep your eyes peeled, as you wander into different studios, for the big gold star ⭐ that will tell you which piece that person is offering as a prize. Scan the QR code on one of the many posters you'll see & vote for the piece you'd most like to own. If your name is pulled put of the hat next week, you'll be the proud owner of a very special, early Christmas present 🤩

This year I'm offering one of my Cocktail Straws🍹(Yes, you can stir your Christmas Pimms AND drink it 😉) You'll be the envy of all, sipping those festive tipples with one of these!

OPEN STUDIOS
SAT. 15TH & SUN. 16TH NOVEMBER, 11AM - 5PM

Address

Brown Street
Sheffield
S12BS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

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