Mad Hat Silver
Hilary AKA Madhatsilver, is a bespoke jewellery designer and silversmith. Hilary designs and makes a wide range of items all handcrafted in either sterling silver, copper and brass. Many of her pieces are absolutely unique one offs, and are hallmarked at the London Assay Office. Items include bangles and bracelets, pendants and necklaces, earrings, and rings. Look out for coastal themes and beautiful craftmanship for a truly unique piece of wearable art.
Website: www.madhatsilver.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Madhatsilver
Instagram: www.instagram.com/madhatsilver/
Website: www.madhatsilver.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Madhatsilver
Instagram: www.instagram.com/madhatsilver/
Interview With A Maker
Name/Business
Hilary Tate - Madhatsilver
Describe your art/craft?
I'm a silversmith, making sterling silver jewellery inspired by the wonderful East Anglian coastline. I love the way that the sea and beaches can look so different each time you visit and I like to try to capture this in some of my pieces.
How long have you been creating? How did you learn your craft or were you self-taught?
I have been creating for around 11 years now. I originally attended silversmithing courses at Wensum Lodge in Norwich
What are your favourite art/craft 'tools of the trade'?
My favourite tools have to be my rolling mill (looks a bit like a pasta maker and has various uses from thinning down metal to pressing patterns into silver sheet) and my hydraulic press which is used for press forming 3D shapes, cutting discs and squashing down silver
Where is your creative space?
I have a small workshop in a bedroom/office at home. I can do most of my work in here, although the bigger tools like the hydraulic press has be to kept in the garage.
What do you watch or listen to when you're creating?
Radio 1
What's your best selling product?
Probably my little circular silver earrings with seagulls flying over the sand.
Favourite thing you've ever created? Do you still have it, or did you sell/gift it?
My favourite thing is a silver mermaid's purse. I still wear it but have made another couple to sell.
Random fact about yourself?
When I'm not making jewellery, you can often find me kayaking on the sea or the Norfolk Broads
What new craft would you love to try?
Pottery - I love browsing all the pottery stalls at the craft markets that I go to and have always fancied giving it a go.
Where can customers buy your products?
online - folksy.com/shops/Madhatsilver
Gallery 10 at Alby Crafts and Gardens www.albycrafts.co.uk
Instagram - www.instagram.com/madhatsilver/
Give a shout-out to a fellow artist or crafter you admire!
There are so many it's hard to choose, but it has to be a potter - Paul Westley - Pottery I love the colours and textures in his work.
Name/Business
Hilary Tate - Madhatsilver
Describe your art/craft?
I'm a silversmith, making sterling silver jewellery inspired by the wonderful East Anglian coastline. I love the way that the sea and beaches can look so different each time you visit and I like to try to capture this in some of my pieces.
How long have you been creating? How did you learn your craft or were you self-taught?
I have been creating for around 11 years now. I originally attended silversmithing courses at Wensum Lodge in Norwich
What are your favourite art/craft 'tools of the trade'?
My favourite tools have to be my rolling mill (looks a bit like a pasta maker and has various uses from thinning down metal to pressing patterns into silver sheet) and my hydraulic press which is used for press forming 3D shapes, cutting discs and squashing down silver
Where is your creative space?
I have a small workshop in a bedroom/office at home. I can do most of my work in here, although the bigger tools like the hydraulic press has be to kept in the garage.
What do you watch or listen to when you're creating?
Radio 1
What's your best selling product?
Probably my little circular silver earrings with seagulls flying over the sand.
Favourite thing you've ever created? Do you still have it, or did you sell/gift it?
My favourite thing is a silver mermaid's purse. I still wear it but have made another couple to sell.
Random fact about yourself?
When I'm not making jewellery, you can often find me kayaking on the sea or the Norfolk Broads
What new craft would you love to try?
Pottery - I love browsing all the pottery stalls at the craft markets that I go to and have always fancied giving it a go.
Where can customers buy your products?
online - folksy.com/shops/Madhatsilver
Gallery 10 at Alby Crafts and Gardens www.albycrafts.co.uk
Instagram - www.instagram.com/madhatsilver/
Give a shout-out to a fellow artist or crafter you admire!
There are so many it's hard to choose, but it has to be a potter - Paul Westley - Pottery I love the colours and textures in his work.
