Master silversmith opens new exhibition

A world-famous silversmith who has worked on the FA Cup and lists the Queen, Prince Charles and the Sultan of Brunei among his clients was in Norfolk this week to launch a silverware exhibition.

Steve Wager, who has also worked on the Ryder Cup, the cricket World Cup and trophies for Ascot races, launched the British Silver Week Exhibition at Urban Armour Ltd in Burnham Market to an audience of invited guests on Tuesday night.

The exhibition, which is being held simultaneously at 15 venues across the country, is now open to the public today and runs until June 26.

Items on display range from a �50 book mark to a �10,000 candelabra.

Mr Wager, 50, from London, said: 'England was once leading the world in this industry but there has been a steep fall over the last 10 years and an English tradition is being lost. These exhibitions are about promoting the silver industry.

'There are not many people left in the country doing what I do and the industry is being taken over by Italy, China and India.

'This is the second oldest trade in the world but the problem in England is that nobody is buying silver any more. There is a disposable culture in this country and people would rather buy something from IKEA and not care if it breaks. I want to see people take pride in the things they own.'

Charles Bourn, managing director of Urban Armour Ltd, said: 'Steve is a truly world class craftsman and it's great to have him here.

'The exhibition features the work of seven of the country's leading silversmiths and items on sale will suit all budgets.

'We have a range of about 50 pieces of silver on display including tea sets and general household items, a set of shot glasses priced at �5,900 and the wonderful candelabra.'

The exhibition will be on display every day, except Sundays, from 9.30am-5pm until June 26.