A GLASGOW-BASED silversmith has received a unique award where the prize is the chance to create a handmade goblet that will become part of a highly prestigious collection.
Caius Bearder, 23, left Guernsey to study at Glasgow School of Art (GSA) where he fell in love with the city and Scotland.
He has now been named The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh’s Outstanding Student of the Year.
Each entrant was invited to submit a design in response to the brief for a functional silver goblet which was then reviewed by a panel of judges.
The winner is given a substantial commission as well as support from a mentor to realise their vision.
The design by Caius, called The Monolith Goblet, takes him back to his roots. He said: “I grew up in Guernsey and this goblet is inspired by the island’s coastline and engraved with a pattern that creates the effect of sunlight falling on the sea.”
Now an artist in residence at GSA, Caius sees his future as being based in Scotland, and the award as a career breakthrough.
He continued: “Winning is a real confidence booster and shows me that if someone wanted to commission a piece of work of this type and scale I could say ‘yes’, and also that I could make pieces like this independently of being commissioned.
“I love Scotland and there’s so much going on here for silversmiths. Glasgow is such a friendly city to live in, and professionally its excellent and the networks are great.”
This particular award is dated to 2009 and is administered on behalf of the centuries-old incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh.
Each goblet becomes a part of the incorporation’s permanent collection which is displayed at the Edinburgh Assay Office and is used during special events and banquets.
Bearder's mentor was Karen Westland, the 2014 winner of the same prize, who said: “It was a pleasure to support Caius with the making of the sophisticated and elegant goblet design.
"Caius' considered approach combined with enthusiasm to push his skills resulted in a professional approach to the commission and a quality silver goblet to be enjoyed by many in future years."
