The Art of Fame - Art medals in the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection 1973–2023, by Dr Dora Thornton, celebrates the art medal in Britain from 1973 to 2023, as represented by stunning examples selected from the exceptional Collection of the Goldsmiths’ Company.
Art medals are two-sided sculptural objects which tell stories about individuals, historic events and current issues. They are designed to be held in the hand. They can present an individual, promote awareness of a cause, serve as propaganda or take up a debate. Their imagery is related to coins, and it is no surprise that they have been linked to the goldsmiths’ trade – and to the Goldsmiths’ Company – for centuries.
In 1973 the Company curated the ‘Medals Today’ exhibition at Goldsmiths’ Hall. It was a manifesto for the international art medal, stimulating new design and techniques as well as finding new buyers. The Company became a major patron and promoter of the art medal as a contemporary artform in precious metal. In 2022 it received the President’s Medal of the British Art Medal Society in recognition of its role.
A central aspect of the Company’s patronage since 1990 is the unique series of portrait medals of the Company’s Prime Wardens. These special commissions in silver tell the story of the Goldsmiths’ Company through its people, with each example presenting an individual and aspects of their biography. They make an unbroken and unique series by a range of medallists. Thematic medals in the exhibition focus attention on important contemporary concerns such as the impact of global warming and climate change to great dramatic effect. Many of them are experiments in form and expression. Again, these are Company commissions and are extremely rare. Each medal is explored in detail in the book including new research into makers, patrons and the Company’s archive of design drawings.
Contemporary art medals are not just surprising, but can have a unique charge, as the Renaissance historian Sir John Hale recognised: ‘Imagination working within tradition: no artistic medium can generate a more creative tension.’
Written by Dr Dora Thornton - Curator of the Goldsmiths' Company Collection
Published by The Goldsmiths’ Company
Copyright text and images © The Goldsmiths’ Company, 2023.
ISBN 978-0-907814-42-9
Pages: 88, Soft Cover/folded
Dimensions: W180mm x H255mm x 7mm thick
The Art of Fame - Art medals in the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection 1973–2023, by Dr Dora Thornton, celebrates the art medal in Britain from 1973 to 2023, as represented by stunning examples selected from the exceptional Collection of the Goldsmiths’ Company.
Art medals are two-sided sculptural objects which tell stories about individuals, historic events and current issues. They are designed to be held in the hand. They can present an individual, promote awareness of a cause, serve as propaganda or take up a debate. Their imagery is related to coins, and it is no surprise that they have been linked to the goldsmiths’ trade – and to the Goldsmiths’ Company – for centuries.
In 1973 the Company curated the ‘Medals Today’ exhibition at Goldsmiths’ Hall. It was a manifesto for the international art medal, stimulating new design and techniques as well as finding new buyers. The Company became a major patron and promoter of the art medal as a contemporary artform in precious metal. In 2022 it received the President’s Medal of the British Art Medal Society in recognition of its role.
A central aspect of the Company’s patronage since 1990 is the unique series of portrait medals of the Company’s Prime Wardens. These special commissions in silver tell the story of the Goldsmiths’ Company through its people, with each example presenting an individual and aspects of their biography. They make an unbroken and unique series by a range of medallists. Thematic medals in the exhibition focus attention on important contemporary concerns such as the impact of global warming and climate change to great dramatic effect. Many of them are experiments in form and expression. Again, these are Company commissions and are extremely rare. Each medal is explored in detail in the book including new research into makers, patrons and the Company’s archive of design drawings.
Contemporary art medals are not just surprising, but can have a unique charge, as the Renaissance historian Sir John Hale recognised: ‘Imagination working within tradition: no artistic medium can generate a more creative tension.’
Written by Dr Dora Thornton - Curator of the Goldsmiths' Company Collection
Published by The Goldsmiths’ Company
Copyright text and images © The Goldsmiths’ Company, 2023.
ISBN 978-0-907814-42-9
Pages: 88, Soft Cover/folded
Dimensions: W180mm x H255mm x 7mm thick
Published by The Goldsmiths’ Company
Copyright text and images © The Goldsmiths’ Company, 2023.
