WHAT IS GOLD & SILVER WIRE?

Originally gold and silver wire was one product – a silver core with a fine layer of pure gold on the outside. This was drawn through smaller and smaller holes in the drawplate until a fine thread was created for use in embroidery on royal regalia, military uniforms and eccesiastical robes.

Whilst the manufacture of the original wire no longer takes place there are individual jewellers and silversmiths who draw wire on a small scale for their work.

Embroiderers use modern wires and threads to create their pieces.

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‘Grid Necklace’ 2022 by Heather Woof / Photo:James Robertson

The videos show this process in action and Freemen of the Company

Freeman Andrew Lamb – Goldsmiths Fair 2022 / copyright:The Goldsmiths Company

Freeman Kate Barlow

Freeman Leonid Dementiev