Katey Felton, working with silver

Naomi Jones discovers the secret of Katey Felton’s beautiful silverware that will add sparkle to a festive table setting.

How did you find yourself working with silver?
While studying a BTEC Foundation in Art & Design, I realised it was making 3D pieces that made me tick, so I went on to do a BA (Hons) degree in Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan University; the course covers wood, metal, ceramics, glass and product design. In my final year, I specialised in metal and was successful in getting a Precious Metal Bursary, from the Goldsmiths’ Company, which meant I could work in silver.

Did that course teach everything you wanted to know?
No – keen to learn more, I went on to study an MA in Silversmithing, Jewellery & Related Products at Birmingham City University. This gave me another year to really understand my chosen material and learn more about the different techniques and processes. By this point I knew I wanted to set up my own studio, designing one-off pieces of silverware.

What have been your proudest moments?
I love the pleasure I give to my private clients, but I’m also proud of the more public recognition I’ve received. Since starting my business in 2002, I’ve been given five Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards, undertaken work for the Home Office and Sheffield City Council, The Duke of Devonshire, and the Friends of Nostell Priory, a National Trust building in West Yorkshire.

Why is being creative important to you?
Designing and making is just part of me – if I don’t make anything for a couple of weeks I get itchy fingers and simply have to create something, whatever it may be.

Where do you find inspiration?
Working in Sheffield, the perfect place for inspiration is on my doorstep: the Peak District has a wealth of trees, flowers, plants and leaves; nature is an area that I find a constant source of inspiration. It’s also important for me to make objects that are a joy to use as well as beautiful to look at, so functionality is instrumental.

What’s the atmosphere like in your workshop?
I have a studio at Persistence Works (artspace.org.uk), a purpose-built complex for over 70 artists. It’s buzzing with creativity but has the best of both worlds: if you want to work on your own you can shut the door, but if you need someone to bounce ideas off there are many people to choose from.

Who do you most admire in the arts and crafts world?
The way Andy Goldsworthy works directly with nature to create transient art all over the world, which he records with photography. I also enjoy the work of Archibald Knox.

Have you any tips for others who want to be creative?
Workshops can be a lot of fun and you can make new friends. There are many classes for you to try your hand at, and you’ll feel a great sense of achievement when you sit back at the end of the day and admire what you’ve produced.

To find out more go to kateyfelton.com or call 07747 687743. Pieces cost from £180 and commissions are from £500.

WORDS NAOMI JONES PHOTOGRAPHS PRODOTO.COM (prodoto.com)
Featured in the December 2009 issue of Period Living