The Arts Society, Pewsey Vale lecture

The next lecture of the Arts Society – Pewsey Vale will take place on Tuesday 2nd December at 2.30pm in the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey.  John Benjamin will speak on The Life and Works of H.G. Murphy, Gold and Silversmith. Harry Murphy served his apprenticeship under Henry Wilson, probably Britain’s greatest designer goldsmith of the Arts and Crafts era. Here he learnt a wide range of skills and techniques including enamelling, gem-setting and polishing, niello, engraving and hammering. From 1928 until his death in 1939 he worked from retail premises in Marylebone, London, known as the Falcon Studio, where he designed and created a prodigious amount of silverware for the corporate, civic and private sectors as well as some truly startling gold, silver and enamel jewellery.  His inspiration came from the natural world, architecture, the Ballet Russes and the vibrancy of the Jazz Age.   

John Benjamin is a jewellery historian, lecturer, author and broadcaster. Formerly International Director of Jewellery at Phillips Fine Art Auctioneers.  John is well-known from his appearances over 30 years on BBC Television’s ever-popular Antiques Roadshow. He is a Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, a Court Assistant and Founder Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and in 2021 was appointed Honorary Jewellery Adviser to the National Trust.

Doors open from 2.00pm and refreshments are available.   Visitors are always welcome – £7 on the door, card or cash.