Forum for Unique Silver Objects

For the second time, inhorgenta europe 2007 is presenting to its specialist visitors a special show by international silversmiths at the "Forum Silversmiths" in Hall C2.

A 1,000 gram bar of fine silver was the starting point. It is beaten into a rectangular shape using a pneumatic hammer and then pinned on the top and the transitional pieces are created. The bowl is widened strike for strike. The last work stages are performed using a polished leveling hammer. A fine goblet weighing 945 grams by Micha Peteler

In this connection, and again for the second time, inhorgenta will be awarding the special prize "Silver". Under the auspices of Prof. Michael Rowe, Royal College / London, a jury consisting of internationally recognized design experts will make its decision based on the criteria of crafts skill, technique and design.

Silver was always the metal preferred by jewelry and object artists. After all, it shimmers like moonlight, is harder than gold - with which it is often named in the same breath - and it has antiseptic effects. These unique characteristics of silver have fascinated human beings for roughly 8,000 years. The precious metal is linked with the moon and its deities in many cultures. The Latin name of Argentum is derived from the mythical Greek being of the heavenly giant Argos. The god with a thousand eyes is the mythological personification of the starry skies. It is the first choice material for solid products. After all, the extremely stretchable and elastic material enables the production of large and voluminous objects in stable forms.

Among all metals, silver possesses the highest reflection capacity and therefore the warmest white tone. It reflects light to 98 percent - there is no metal with a whiter glow. Forum Silversmiths at the inhorgenta is intended as homage to the unique material and the artists who work with it. Let us not forget that in addition to its use on the volume market for fashionable jewelry, silver still has an exponential importance for young o bject design.

Salt and pepper shakers made of different eggs with fine silver hooks and lids by Micha Peteler

Silver bowl "Drop with Ladle" by Martin Kaufmann

Jordan Rembrandt from Antwerp, Belgium, won the Silver Prize last year and says about the Forum: "l was at the inhorgenta for the first time last year, seeing as it was also the first time that silversmith work was offered its own forum there. The trade show in Munich has a good reputation in Belgium also, and Germany is a particularly interesting market for silver jewelry and equipment. Last year's prize was a very welcome and helpful stimulus to open my own gallery in Antwerp in May 2006. To my great astonishment, in addition to many valuable, international contacts with industry insiders in Munich, I also got to know many colleagues and gallery-owners from Antwerp who I did not know beforehand!"

The German national Martin Kaufmann is also all the rage for the new forum: "In general, silversmiths are always pleased about forums in which they can present their objects. After all, there really isn't any other comparable platform in Germany for silversmiths. "

"Participation in the silversmith forum is not intended to lead directly to commercial success. My experience has shown me that you never know what comes of discussions at trade shows. For silversmiths that mainly sell to galleries, contacts are the be-all and end-all of success. This year also, I have some pieces in my bag for galleries. For example, I forged a goblet from a piece of solid silver. As well as this, I am looking forward to a few days of networking with colleagues and just enjoying the pleasant, exciting time," is how the Cologne-based artist Micha Peteler explains his motives for participating in the forum.

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