Cannock club enjoy fascinating talk from silversmith
Silversmith Penny Wheat shared the story of her creative career and some unusual jewellery designs with Cannock club members
Members of Cannock and District Ladies Probus Club heard about an unusual career in silversmithing, with plenty of creative inspiration and amusing anecdotes along the way.
The club welcomed experienced silversmith and speaker Penny Wheat, who shared stories from her career and explained how she found her way into the craft.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Penny attended art college in Loughborough, where she studied a range of arts and crafts. Her interest in working with silver was sparked when a lecturer introduced the material during one of her classes.
However, finding work as a silversmith was not straightforward, as there were no jobs advertised in the field when she qualified.
Penny initially taught children aged 11 and 12, using their enthusiasm and ideas to inspire creative projects.
She recalled how pupils interested in Disney films helped create a castle mural sprayed with silver, followed by a knight character called Sir Lance A Little. One pupil with an interest in heraldry also produced a colourful shield.
She went on to teach silversmithing and jewellery-making for 36 years, including evening classes for adults at Stoke College.
During her talk, Penny explained the different types of silver used in the craft – sheet, wire and tube – before exploring the importance of finding inspiration for designs.
Her ideas have come from a variety of sources, including books, birthday cards and nature. She described turning a simple picture of a dog into a piece of jewellery with a dangling bone, while a cat design featured a fish.
She also recalled designing unusual earrings inspired by her three daughters' teenage Goth style, including an apple with maggots, rather than opting for more conventional designs.
Other projects included a chess set combining wood with silver and gold, and a specially designed cruet set after she noticed someone struggling to use a traditional one.
Penny also discussed the finishing techniques involved in silversmithing, including the use of acids, chemical reactions and leather polishing.
She explained the history of hallmarking, including how Birmingham's assay office came to adopt the anchor as its mark in 1773, alongside London's leopard's head and Sheffield's crown.
The club's next meeting will take place on December 3, when members will celebrate Christmas in festive jumpers.
Cannock and District Ladies Probus Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at Chase Golf Club at noon. It is open to retired and semi-retired professional and business women, with meetings including lunch, guest speakers, outings and other activities.
New members are welcome. Annual membership costs £16 and a two-course lunch is £23.
For more information, contact membership secretary Barbara on 07801 370935 or chairman Chris on 01543 879324.