Introducing Charlotte Tollyfield

28 November 2011

In the first of a new series of features, Who's Who in Gold and Silver asks its latest illustrious member, the designer silversmith Charlotte Tollyfield, 6 quickfire questions about herself and her work, discovering her passion for the blow torch in the process...

Charlotte Tollyfield, a Sheffield-based designer silversmith, won Best New Merchandise at this year's Goldsmiths' Fair. Here she tells Who's Who in Gold and Silver a little more about her life and work...

Question 1: What was the first thing you can remember making?

The first 3D object I can clearly recall making was a Devali lamp in Y2. We had to roll out the clay into a really long and thin sausage and curl it round on itself to create a bowl that could hold a tealight. I left the top bit sticking up and painted it to look like a coiled snake.

Question 2: Who has inspired you most in your work?

I have always admired the work of Michael Rowe, referencing him continuously in my university projects, and the fact that his is the only book in my vast collection of art and design books dedicated to a particular maker says it all really.

Question 3: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your career?

Be patient. Never give up. Take on board all help and advice offered, but always listen to your gut instinct.

Question 4: What would you have been if you hadn’t been a designer maker?

I love horses and spent every spare moment from the age of 11 at my local riding stables going on to work there when I turned 16. I always wanted my own stables so I suppose it could have been Charlotte Tollyfield – Horse Whisperer, instead of Charlotte Tollyfield – Designer Maker.

Question 5: What is your favourite tool?

I think it has to be the blow torch. So much can go wrong when your work’s on the hearth, but I have these rituals of preparing the work especially before soldering that create such a build up of suspense that when it goes right it’s the best feeling of achievement.

Question 6: Of all the pieces you have made, which means the most to you?

It would have to be the Tri-Bowl. It was a crazy idea of mine that I could get silver to do what paper-mâché could do and it took numerous bits of copper and two attempts in silver to get it right. But I did it!

To read more about Charlotte Tollyfield and her work please click here to visit her Who's Who in Gold and Silver page.