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Alex O'Connor MSDC

Silversmithing & Goldsmithing

About Alex
Alex came to silversmithing and jewellery from a background in Sculpture, and this foundation continues to inform her practice. Her work merges an inherent understanding of form, composition, and balance with the specific disciplines of contemporary craft, resulting in pieces that are both sculptural and functional. The creative process begins with walking and being present in the landscape. Immersed in its rhythms, patterns, and light, she translates these sensory experiences into silverware and 'wearable sculptures'.
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Alex O'Connor is a distinguished silversmith whose work explores the dynamic interplay between form, function, and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the rugged landscapes of Cornwall, Alex crafts contemporary silverware that embodies both elegance and utility.​

Employing traditional silversmithing techniques such as scoring, folding and forming, Alex meticulously transforms flat sheets of silver into tactile, sculptural forms. This hands-on approach allows for an intuitive dialogue with the material, resulting in pieces that are both purposeful and refined.​

Central to Alex's philosophy is the belief that objects should invite touch and engagement. Her creations often feature subtle textures and finishes that encourage interaction, fostering a deeper connection between the piece and its user.​

Recurring themes in Alex's work include the exploration of balance and asymmetry, reflecting the imperfect beauty found in nature. By harmonizing form and function, she produces silverware that is not only visually captivating but also serves a practical purpose, enriching everyday rituals and interiors.

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Selected Exhibitions

Upcoming in 2025

  • The Goldsmiths Fair Week 1
  • Designer Craft - Tales in the Making

2025

  • Goldsmiths North
  • Festival Of Silver, RHS Garden, Wisley.
  • Future Icons Selects/ London Craft Week
  • Silver Triennial International Hanau/ Antwerp
  • Collect (with The Goldsmiths Fair ‘100 Rings’)

2024

  • Handmade Chelsea
  • Future Icons Selects
  • Collect (with The Goldsmiths Fair ‘100 Brooches’)

2023

  • Decorex (with Design Nation)

2022

  • November 2022
  • Salon NY (represented by Galerie Artempo LA)

2021

  • Materials Matter, Make SouthWest, Riverside Gallery, Bovey Tracey.
  • Collect Online (with Design Nation)

2020

  • Decorex (with Design Nation)
  • The Goldsmiths’ Fair (online)
  • Collect (with The Goldsmiths’ Fair) Somerset House

2019

  • The Goldsmiths’ Fair
  • Handmade Oxford 27th-30th June
  • Collect (with Petronilla Silver Gallery) Saatchi Gallery

2018

  • Silver Triennial Zilvermuseum, Schoonhoven, Netherlands
  • Gifted, Kath Libbert Gallery, Bradford
  • The Goldsmiths’ Fair, Goldsmiths’ Hall, London
  • London Design Fair, The Old Truman Brewery, London
  • Made for the Table, The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London
  • One Year In at New Designers, Business Design Centre, London
  • Rising Stars, The New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham

2017

  • Shine, The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London
  • New Designers, Business Design Centre, London
  • Inspired, The Goldsmiths Centre, London

Employment

  • Sept 2019-. Lecturer Silversmithing and Jeweller, BA course. Truro College.

Residency

  • February 2025 Emerging Silversmiths Residency at the Hugo Burge Foundation

Education

  • BA(hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery, Truro College. 2017
  • BA(hons) Fine Art (Sculpture), Kingston University. 1992


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