Toby Cotterill

I make empowering, articulated jewellery and sculptural silverware, inspired by the natural world and the process of making.

I grew up on a farm near the coast in West Wales, and spent my childhood immersed in nature, playing outside with my brothers, exploring fields and rockpools, and making things. These early experiences continue to influence my practice, distilling into organic forms and ideas which evolve on the workbench, guided by process.

I work with recycled silver and gold, combining traditional silversmithing skills such as chasing and repousse, with innovative construction methods. Silverware is raised from sheet silver, forged over steel stakes using thousands of hammer blows. Three dimensional forms are articulated to move with the body, acting as personal talismans and wearable playthings.

Based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, my work has been exhibited across the UK and internationally, including at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London and Velvet da Vinci Gallery in San Francisco. Awards include selection for Crafts Council Hothouse programme and an Arts Council DYCP grant.