cara murphy
cara murphy
Acclaimed Northern Irish silversmith Cara uses traditional silversmithing techniques in her work to create a silver landscape for the table. She is strongly influenced by the natural environment of her native landscape.
Cara often combines silver with other materials, especially stone and wood. More recently the colours of the Irish landscape have become dominant in her work; adding colour with transparent vitreous enamel enables Cara to create organic patterns on the surface of the silver that are highlighted by the refraction of light.
Cara trained in the early 90’s at the Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and works mainly to public and private commission, exhibiting her work internationally. Her award winning silver tableware has been showcased in numerous high profile applied art and silversmithing exhibitions. During her career Cara has also created many prestigious awards (including the St. Leger Trophy), which have been presented by prominent dignitaries.
Collections:
The Silver Trust Collection at Downing Street, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster Museum, National Museum of Ireland, Shipley Art Gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne Aberdeen Art Gallery, The Arts Council an Chomhairle Ealaoin and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland.
Image: Ross Murphy
commissioning
Cara welcomes private commissions - please contact us to discuss how we can transform your idea into a unique object.
“I grew up in a craft family where there is a solution to every problem was instilled - I always apply this to my making.”
— Cara Murphy
Meet the maker
Listen to Cara discuss how she approaches commissions, and how the handmade nature of her work creates a connection between maker and owner.
Video credit: Contemporary British Silversmiths - Create 2020
