Sterling Stuff II

Pangolin London and Pangolin Editions, Europe’s largest sculpture foundry, have commissioned the country’s leading and emerging contemporary sculptors to create an exceptional exhibition of sculptures in sterling silver.

With over 50 contributing artists to Sterling Stuff II, Pangolin London offers an unparalleled exhibition, with a rich and creative vocabulary in both subject matter and technique. The sculptures, all cast in sterling silver, range from the abstract to the figurative, the traditional to the conceptual, and allow the visitor to experience a number of different genres and interpretations from the serene beauty of Jon Buck’s

Proteiform to the verve and skill of Jonathan Kenworthy’s Silverback, or the poignant concept behind Michael Joo’s intricate piece to the dreamlike quality of the Yoko Twins by Don Brown.

Throughout the casting process, which is the traditional and complex lost wax casting method, Pangolin Editions has collaborated with each individual sculptor to ensure the best possible result. Many of the artists have never before explored with working in silver, which perhaps explains the extraordinary diversity of silver finishes within the

show. Many artists have sought to diminish the widely recognised qualities of silver as a precious metal by flocking or tarnishing the surface; yet others have sought to enhance it and exaggerate its highly polished sheen.

Sterling Stuff II follows the success of the original exhibition, which was held in 2002 at the foundry’s inhouse gallery, Gallery Pangolin. Now showcased in London, the 2008 show has invited a number of new artists, including Marcus Harvey, Dorothy Cross, Alastair Mackie, David Bailey and Kenny Hunter, to experiment with silver.

Their sculptures will be displayed alongside new work by past contributors, and a selection of original pieces from the 2002 exhibition.

Highlights from Sterling Stuff II include eight exquisite miniature silver figures by Lynn Chadwick displayed alongside the sculpture of his son, Daniel Chadwick, as well as sculptures by renowned YBA artists Angus Fairhurst and Damien Hirst, of whom the latter has continued to develop his work in silver since Sterling Stuff.

The artists’ continued support for this collaboration has created a diverse and unique collection of silver sculptures, all of which are unified through the material and practice to create an enchanting show.