Gerald Benney (1930-2008), a pair of large silver gilt and enamel covered jugs‘AGB’ mark of Gerald Benney, London hallmarks 1973, bases stamped ‘Gerald Benney London’ and ‘AAE’ mark for master enameller Alan Alfred Evans Each of baluster form and decorated with Benney’s distinctive ‘bark finish’, having a plain spout, curved and cream enamelled handle and a hinged domed cover richly enamelled in a deep translucent red, the top of the hinge engraved ‘ML’, below the spout each jug is engraved with a man’s head and drops of blood enclosed within a buckled garter25.5cm. high (total weight 87oz)Notes:“Gerald Benney was one of the most outstanding and influential British goldsmiths of the second half of the 20th century. During a career spanning more than 50 years, he was the first British craftsman to hold four Royal Warrants simultaneously. His work has had a major impact on the survival of domestic silver in Britain.” Gerald Benney’s obituary in the Independent written by John Andrew, Wednesday 2 July 2008.“In the mid-sixties, soon after moving into Beenham, Gerald started hammering a cup into shape with a hammer whose surface, unknown to him, had been damaged by banging onto hard nails and other hard household products. After half a dozen blows, he realised he had inadvertently imposed a pleasing pattern onto the silver. He filed the hard end of the hammer to make the pattern more emphatic, and produced a few complete beakers and goblets to test his new idea.Graham Hughes, ‘Gerald Benney Goldsmith - The Story of fifty years at the bench’, Starcity, Alfriston, 1998, p205See front cover for further illustration

A few small marks and some light natural well. Overall in good condition and present well.