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In 1972, Graham Watling who
became head of the Art and Craft Department at the local school, having
originally been a Commando in the Royal Marines, finally decided to leave
teaching after 17 years to pursue his trade as a gold and
silversmith.
By the time he had passed away in 1996, the business started in Lacock, had
flourished and became established as one of the premier Gold and Silversmiths in
the country.
Graham did his formal training at Loughborough University where he achieved a
BA Hons. in silversmithing. He was then registered with the Assay Office in
London, having his own Hallmark straight from graduation.
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Graham's work has been exhibited by
the Craft Council of Great Britain, at the Craft Centre London, the Bluecoat
Gallery Liverpool and many exhibitions abroad including the World Fairs at
Montreal and Tokyo.
Much of his work was specially commissioned for presentation, both by private
individuals and companies to mark special occasions and anniversaries. He also
specialized in ecclesiastical work and many famous churches carry his ceremonial
and memorial pieces.
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Born in North Yorkshire, England, Graham was very
down to earth and modest, would often speak his mind and only make pieces that
he enjoyed, often turning down multiple commissions so that he could make more
individual work.
He was one of the few silversmiths of his day to be responsible for every
stage of his work, from design to manufacture and then to meet and sell directly
to the customers. In fact in his early days Graham would set his bench up
and work in the gallery. |
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