Etsy

Hi
I'm Lesley Philp and in 2000 I began my own business, Contemporary Silverware. I had taught Silversmithing and Technology for 17 years and I decided to change my lifestyle and work for myself.

My husband and I now live in two countries and I have two workshops, one in Haydon Bridge in Northumberland in the North of England, and the other workshop in St Michel et Chanveaux in North-west France, one of the reasons why I am Silverware49, it is the department of Maine et Loire (49). At the moment we split our year between the two countries.

I love working with sterling silver and 9ct gold in both my jewellery and homeware articles. I enjoy experimenting with textures and finishes to enhance my designs and use nature as my inspiration in the UK and France. The two villages that I live in are situated in very rural areas but very different and provide me with so many ideas. Recently I have designed some textile wall-hangings from new and recycled materials and buttons.

My jewellery is sent to be hallmarked at the Assay Office in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their hallmark is the gorgeous castle on Princes Street in the centre of Edinburgh.