2022 Outstanding Student Award

2022 Outstanding Student Award

Images by Colin Hattersley

We are thrilled to announce the completion of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh’s 2022 Outstanding Student Award, the Monolith Goblet by Caius Bearder. This stunning piece will now become part of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths permanent collection, joining a range of goblets made since the award was created in 2009.

The design is a reminder of Caius’ southern origins, inspired by Guernsey and the islands coastline. The engraving that covers the goblet creates the effect of sunlight falling on the sea.

Now an artist in residence at GSA, Caius sees his future as being in Scotland, and the award as a career launchpad. Indeed, one of the purposes of the award is to show potential clients that the maker can undertake major commissions to a world-class standard. 

For Caius, “Winning is a real confidence booster and shows me that if someone wanted to commission a piece of work of this type and scale I could say ‘yes’, and also that I could make pieces like this independently of being commissioned.” 

Thomas Murray, Deacon of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths, said: “The Incorporation of Goldsmiths has been supporting and facilitating the development of skills in the trade and manufacture of precious metal articles since the mid-15th century. It remains a tremendous pleasure and a privilege for us to provide direct support to emerging and talented young silversmiths like Caius.” 

Ebba Goring, Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Chief Executive, added: “This is a work that is functional as well as beautiful and continues Scotland’s exceptional tradition in silversmithing. We are grateful to The Incorporation to be able to administer this annual award which supports emerging makers and gives them a wonderful boost to their career and skills development.” 

Caius’ mentor was Dr Karen Westland, the 2014 winner of the same prize, who said: “It was a pleasure to support Caius with the making of the sophisticated and elegant goblet design. Caius' considered approach combined with enthusiasm to push his skills resulted in a professional approach to the commission and a quality silver goblet to be enjoyed by many in future years. 

“The commission is an incredible opportunity for recent graduates to contribute to the Incorporation's growing collection which in turn bolsters both the legacy and future of silversmithing in Scotland.”