Wayne Meeten
For us, Wayne Meeten’s unique perspective emerges as a beacon of wisdom and insight that transcends the boundaries of traditional silversmithing. Unlike traditional silversmiths who often create beautiful objects that feel somewhat cold and lifeless, Wayne’s work is a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery, the beauty of imperfection, and the gentle art of finding grace in life’s complexities.
His approach to silversmithing is a captivating journey of artistic expression, personal growth, and a profound connection with the world around him. He comments that, “It’s the pauses between each hammer mark, each motion of filing, sanding and taking rest which slow your mind and lets you see your work in a fresh, innovative way.”
Wayne left school at sixteen and worked for a jeweller in The Lanes of Brighton renovating antique jewellery. Lacking formal training, he became disillusioned and went backpacking around the world. On his return, he trained at the Sir John Cass School of Art in London [now the London Metropolitan University], renowned as one of Europe’s best metalwork academies. During his time, there with tuition by master craftspeople who worked for the likes of Cartier and Asprey, he learnt how to make fine jewellery. Around the same time, he discovered tai chi and its underlying philosophy of balance and harmony. For the past thirty years, tai chi fundamentals have played an integral part not only in Wayne’s designs, but in the way he runs all aspects of his business and life.
Fascinated by ancient Japanese metalworking techniques, he travelled to Tokyo where he was the first and last Westerner to study the art of mokume gane under the late Professor Hirotoshi Itoh and also Norio Tamagawa – both accorded the status of Living National Treasure in Japan.
On his return, he continued to translate what he had learnt into his practice, first as an MA student and then as an independent maker. He was subsequently invited to exhibit at the prestigious Goldsmiths Fair where his entire collection sold and his career took off. In 2014, he was awarded a QEST scholarship, which he used to study the art of zougan and uchi-dashi under the tutelage of Living National Treasure, Katsura Morihito, and his assistant Naoko Tamura.
Wayne has won many prestigious awards internationally and his work is in notable public collections, including Chatsworth House, the Goldsmiths Company and New College, Oxford. The piece we have chosen as the lead image here, Dance In The Night Sky, won the Goldsmiths Company Premier Award in 2020. Made of fine silver with 18-carat gold stars, it was created using Japanese hammerwork with zougan inlay and niiro patination. Inspired by the Aurora Borealis moving rhythmically across the night sky in the Arctic Circle, it took Wayne four years to complete.
Please contact us to discuss Wayne’s current list of available works and very special bespoke commissions.
