Demystifying the commissioning process with Miriam Hanid and Rauni Higson

What goes into the commissioning of some of our favourite pieces of art?

Commissioning a new piece of fine jewellery or silver may seem daunting to someone who has never done it before. In this exclusive talk for Goldsmiths’ Fair, renowned British silversmiths Rauni Higson and Miriam Hanid talks us through the secrets behind this process, whilst ruminating over the unique relationship that is formed between patron and maker.

From creating a monumental centrepiece for Liverpool Cathedral to a highly detailed jug for a private client, both Miriam and Rauni discuss some of their most treasured works whilst exploring how each piece comes alive through the person that commissioned it.

Watch the video below.

“…it feels so nice when it goes from my hands to their hands…”

— Rauni Higson

Miriam Hanid designs and makes sculptural silver, inspired by movement and the natural world. Using her signature chasing and engraving techniques she creates organic, tactile shapes from complex, detailed smaller vessels to bold centrepieces which both serve a decorative and practical function. Commissions involve a close dialogue with clients. Miriam’s bespoke silverware is in private and public collections, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, Eton College, the Goldsmiths’ Company and the National Museum of Wales.

Rauni Higson creates highly sculptural work punctuated by fluidity and movement that always has a functional purpose. Her undulating work appears to continually ‘grow’ as she attempts to capture the constant movement of nature without directly emulating it. Six of her pieces can be found in the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection. She also has work in the National Museum of Wales as well as many private collections and in 2021 she completed the Processional Cross for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.