From the outset it was always important that one of the creative partners in the Silver Sounds project would be a practicing silversmith. The University has established a commitment to commissioning and acquiring contemporary art as a reflection of its own international reputation.

This is the first piece of silver that Queen's has directly commissioned and the process evolved from discussions between the silversmith and a small working group which included catering and events personnel from the University. The brief was to design an object that would sit well with existing tableware and grace the high table at university dinners in the Great Hall. Not only would it need to be visually arresting and a beautiful example of contemporary silversmithing, it would also need to be functional and provide a talking point.

Cara Murphy, Silversmith

Find out more about the background to Cara's work and this commission.

Portrait of a Silversmith

Watch Cara as she creates Seed Heads in her workshop.

Working Drawings

Look at Cara's working drawings developed during the creation of Seed Heads.

Virtual Drawing

See how Cara develops her working drawings using CINEMA 4D, a 3D drawing software package.