Graham Hughes (1926 - 2010)

Graham Hughes, former Art Director of Goldsmiths’ Hall and Liveryman, died peacefully on 5th October 2010, sadly missed by all those silversmiths, jewellers and art medallists who knew him. Memories from leading craftsmen are introduced by Rosemary Ransome Wallis, Curator of the Company's Collections, who worked with Graham for seven years, see below.

Rosemary Ransome Wallis, curator - liveryman

Graham Hughes, responsible for the Company’s programme of the encouragement of public appreciation of modern silver and jewellery, joined the Company in 1951 under the leadership of his father George Hughes, the then Clerk of the Company.

George had initiated both the antique and modern silver collections at the Hall earlier in the 20th century. Graham continued the Hughes tradition of innovation by organising the first international ‘Modern Jewellery Exhibition 1890 to 1961’ at the Hall in 1961. This exhibition established the status of modern jewellery and began the seminal collection of contemporary jewellery at the Hall. Graham was a renowned supporter of innovative artist and designer craftsmen and held regular pioneering exhibitions of their work, as well as travelling their modern work abroad. He was a prolific author with many books becoming standard works such as the ‘Art of Jewellery’, published 1972.

It was that year that I joined the Company as Curator and then Assistant to Graham until his early retirement in 1980. My memory of Graham was of a man of energy, enthusiasm and cultural knowledge. His belief that ‘you can do it Rosemary’ has underpinned my confidence ever since then. The highpoint, in my seven years working with Graham, was travelling the Collection, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute, during the bicentennial of the United States celebrations in 1976, and being asked to lecture to huge audiences, give press and television interviews and so on. My favourite photograph then in 1976 of Graham is in Jacksonville, Florida, giggling as he was eating his second Knickerbocker Glory ice cream!

Other highlights include asking me to judge the Topham trophy competitions in Liverpool with him and liaise with him on his pioneering exhibitions ‘Loot’. These exhibitions began in 1976 during a severe recession. Graham amassed 1400 exhibits by 325 designers, with items priced under £100 for sale in the first exhibition. These highly successful marketing exhibitions continued until 1981 when the idea was reformulated into the Goldsmiths’ Fair.

Graham’s greatest virtue was his intuitive eye for good design. His contribution to the Company’s support of the craft was unique and indeed significant in its history.

David Thomas, Jeweller - Liveryman

Of all Graham's many achievements, his finest was also one his earliest - the 1961 international exhibition of modern jewellery at Goldsmiths' Hall. This created huge worldwide interest, enabling him to devise and curate many further exhibitions and to write extensively on the subject. He was a tireless and enthusiastic champion for new work, helping many of us to live by our creative efforts. He will be greatly missed.

Brooch, 18 ct gold with pearl, 1965, purchased by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection

John Donald, jeweller - liveryman

After the Second World War in the 50s, still with ration books, austerity and 125% purchase tax, Graham Hughes in a unique position at the Goldsmiths’ Company had the courage and determination to support young, innovative designer crafts people in silver and jewellery, often against considerable opposition from within the ‘trade’ and also the Goldsmiths' Company.

Some of my very early jewellery experiments in 9 ct gold were bought for the Goldsmiths' Collection. This was not only of financial help when establishing my first workshop, but also a huge boost to my self-confidence.

Brooch, 18 ct gold and diamonds, 1974, purchased by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection

Jacqueline Mina, Jeweller - liveryman

My eyes were opened to the glorious world of jewellery by the dazzlingly lavish 1961 International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery organised by Graham Hughes, and his subsequent book ‘Modern Jewellery’.

I have so much to thank him for – not least, his engaging conversations in recent years.

Ring, 18 ct gold, diamond and trochus shell, 1976, purchased by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection.

Wendy Ramshaw, Jeweller - liveryman

I remember Graham Hughes for his warmth and welcoming presence, his boundless enthusiasm for the work of artists and his understanding of creative energy.

During his curatorship at the Goldsmiths' Company he built an extraordinary collection which he personally delighted in exhibiting on an unprecedented international scale. His gift - a major contribution to the renaissance of British jewellery - has been second to none. For this, so many of us thank him.

The Bow Ring, 18 ct gold and enamel on acrylic stand, 1975, purchased by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection.

Jocelyn Burton, goldsmith and art medallist - freeman

With Graham’s death I feel a bright light has gone out. I have had quite a cry.

In 1970 the MD of Watches of Switzerland showed my work in his Bond Street shop. When I first met Graham he expressed astonishment that I really exist and said he thought I was a figment of Sydney Roger's vivid imagination! I adored him from that moment and his enthusiastic encouragement was life long. I will miss him.

Ocean Conservation Medal, 18 ct gold, 1973, commissioned by Graham Hughes for the 'Medals Today' exhibition in 1973, retained in the Company's Collection.

Malcolm Appleby, artist engraver and medallist - liveryman

Graham Hughes, the godfather to artist metalsmiths, jewellers and medallists. A huge supporter, handing out opportunity to emerging talents in the 1960-1970s. The dynamic force behind the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. A hero to us all.

Bird of Destiny, c1973, commissioned for the 'Medals Today' exhibition 1973, retained for the Company's Collection.

Geoffrey Clarke, sculptor and art medallist

Graham Hughes was always full of encouragement and support, one of our great energisers.

In all the time I worked with him I have no memory of a frown, he will be missed.

Pollution of Nature Medal, c1973, commissioned as part of a series by Graham Hughes for the 'Medals Today' exhibition 1973, retained in the Company's Collection.

Jacqueline Stieger, Sculptor, goldsmith and art medallist - freeman

Graham Hughes had that ability to persuade and encourage artists to venture out of the usual areas of their work, hence a medal for each Loot exhibition.

We owe a great deal to him for the opportunities he gave us to make pieces that were a bit different.

Loot Medal, c1980 commissioned for the 'Loot' exhibition 1980 by Graham Hughes, retained in the Company's Collection.

Stuart Devlin, Silversmith - Past Prime Warden 1996

Graham was arguably the most influential figure in re-establishing the international pre-eminence of British silver after a long period dominated by the Bauhaus and the Scandinavians.

He had the courage to wholeheartedly support designers who possessed the creativity to buck the trend of austerity and re-introduce romance.

Coffee set, silver with nylon bases, 1959, purchased by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection.

Keith Tyssen, silversmith - liveryman

I have so many enjoyable memories of Graham.

Very early one morning during the late 1960s, Graham was on the line from Osaka, there overseeing the Company's exhibition of 'Modern Plate', forming part of British Week in Japan. The Head of the Cultured Pearl Industry in Australia wished to buy the Hors d'oeuvres Centrepiece, (same as above) and wasn't prepared to wait ten weeks whilst I made another.

Graham decided therefore, to sell him that piece from the Company's Collection if I would "pledge to make another a.s.a.p. to replace it".

He was prepared to take an unprecedented decision, risk any Customs import/export complications ...... adding:-  "and goodness only knows what 'music' I shall have to listen to when I get back to The Hall, please don't let me down."

His sole interest was in obtaining a commission for me and this willing kindness to do all he could to assist young designer silversmiths and jewellers was so typical of the man.

Dear Graham, there were many, many generous kindnesses you gave and to so many of us that I feel inadequate to fully express our gratitude.

Topham Trophy/candelabrum centrepiece, silver, 1966, commissioned by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection. Now known to be a remake!

Hector Miller, Silversmith - second warden 2010

At a time when my silversmithing had to be rather commercial, Graham Hughes threw a lifeline to my creativity by commissioning this jug for the Company. With good taste, an eye for the imaginative and a confidence to embrace the innovative he helped many to make their best work.

Jug, silver chased horizontal bands, 1976 commissioned by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection.

Grant Macdonald, Silversmith - Past Prime Warden 2008

“Graham Hughes was the face and voice of Modern Silver, he helped me and a new generation of craftsmen to start their careers. He encouraged us and enabled us to make pieces for clients that we could never have dreamed of working for, he opened doors, smoothed the way, and helped us build reputations that now span the world.

He opened up markets with exhibitions abroad always promoting the Goldsmiths’ Company and their huge support for the craft. As a silversmith I felt it was like riding the crest of a wave with Graham leading the way and driving us on to promote ourselves. He was the greatest ambassador of our craft we could have ever wished for.”

Rose bowl, silver parcel gilt and Mexican agate, 1977, purchased by Graham Hughes for the Company's Collection.