Q&A: Grant Macdonald
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Grant Macdonald is an esteemed silversmith of international repute. He began his career in precious metals at the age of 14, he attended a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Arts and Crafts finally graduating from Sir John Cass School of Art.
The Grant Macdonald business was established in 1969 and became a limited company in 1977. The business is still thriving and has had is base in Bear Lane, London for some 41 years.
Over a career spanning some 50 years the Grant Macdonald brand has worked in every aspect of the trade to the heightened areas of bespoke high value luxury, developing a reputation second to none in the global marketplace.
Highlights of the international silversmiths’ career include the 1998 remake of the 6.4 metre high Orb and Cross for the Dresden Frauenkirche installed in 2004 which was presented by the Duke of Kent to the City of Dresden to commemorate the millennium and over fifty years of peace.
Over 90% of pieces designed and created in-house by Grant Macdonald are exported. Grant’s company was the first silversmithing company to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2006. He has formally been the Master of the Barbers’ Company in 1999 and was the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company in 2008. In 2016 the company was awarded a Royal Warrant from HRH The Prince of Wales as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths. He answers the Benchpeg Q&A...
Grant working at the bench in Palmers Green workshop in the 1960s
What’s your name, and what do you for a living?
Grant Macdonald and I am a silversmith. I started my workshop in 1969 after a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Art and a diploma course finally graduating from the Sir John Cass College School of Art. My first workshop was in Palmers Green in north London followed by Clerkenwell where the workshop overlooked the now Goldsmiths’ Centre. My current workshop for some 41 years is in Bear Lane near the Tate Modern on Bankside.
How did you come to work in the jewellery industry?
My Father introduced me to someone who had a hobby making pieces of silver. At the age of 14 I made a silver spoon which I still have. Attending art school inspired me to train as a silversmith and then to start a business.
The silver spoon Grant first made aged 14
How would you describe your work to someone who doesn’t know it?
The pieces we design and make are very varied. We have a very healthy export business of some 95% of our sales so our designs are market dependent which gives us a wonderful opportunity to produce different pieces. I have always made it my business to export starting way back in 1972.
We design and hand make excellent quality pieces mainly for the table and presentation gifts. We also specialise in making badges and pieces for the London Livery Companies.
What is your creative process?
Some early silver boxes made by Grant
Perhaps it could be described as necessity over a time line. The workshop needs work and plenty of it. Both my son George and I travel the world seeking new commissions and designs. I do not have a design theme that runs through my work and never have, I design pieces that customers want to buy not pieces that I want to sell. I firmly believe that “good design finds you” and I think the more pieces you design and make the better
better you get at designing and making. Meeting someone, talking to someone, needs to be turned into an opportunity if your head is in gear and you are listening. In our craft/industry you have to have an entrepreneurial spirt to go with the skills you have learned. Designing and making are both wonderful assets but if you cannot sell yourself, how can you sell your pieces. Whatever is said about the internet or being a brand please consider that “people enjoy buying from people”.
Where do you love to shop?
I do not love to shop but I seem to find myself in too many duty-free shopping malls for comfort!
What is your inspiration?
Survival of the business and leaving something behind that will stand the test of time as good design and wonderful craftsmanship.
What piece of jewellery do you most treasure?
I have a cream jug made by the great Paul Store in 1837, part of a dinner service my grandfather inherited.
What piece of jewellery do you most desire?
A piece by Rod Kelly or something enameled by Fred Rich, both amazing stars in our craft.
Is there a seminal book or a favourite read that you have?
I have gathered a large collection of books and when/if I retire I will have the time to read them
Is there a particular tune, song or soundtrack to your life?
Growing up through the sixties the music ran through our veins perhaps now music is just something playing in the background of my life.
If you could only be remembered for one thing in your working life, what would it be?
Trying to be the best of the best.
What would be your advice to someone starting out in the industry?
It’s a crowded market place, so you will need to stand out to be successful, don’t think that just because you have a website you have business. Try to set out a plan looking at your overheads, get your selling prices right. Lastly, never say NO to an opportunityhowever big or small!
The Benchpeg Proust Q&A
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What’s your favourite work of art?
I don’t have one favourite.
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Who from past or present would you invite to a dinner party for the evening?
Benvenuto Cellini, Paul de Lamerie, Paul Storr, Gerald Benney and Andrew Grima all with their wives to discuss our successes and our failures, which I guess haven’t changed much over the centuries.
We could discuss just how our ancient craftsmen could possibly make the most beautiful pieces with just a charcoal fire and a love for what the metal could do for them. I was in the Louvre in Abu Dhabi last month and saw the most beautifully made Roman silver bowl and dishes as good as the day they left the workshop, amazing and inspiring! Our dinner conversation would continue until daylight or until the wine ran out.
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Do you have any pets, if yes, what is their name?
A dog called Poppy, a cat called Pearl and two ponies, Bruce and Spirit. -
What is your most treasured possession?
My health and my family. -
What would you consider a perfect day?
Not going to an airport. -
Is there a favourite journey, trip or voyage you hold dear?
My life has been full of great journeys and opportunities, but perhaps star gazing in the bush in Botswana has got to be high up the list. -
What is your greatest achievement?
Staying in business for fifty years and loving all the pieces we have made that are spread across the world.
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What advice would tell your younger self?
Work smarter not just harder. Always try to overdeliver, go the extra mile for the customer. Try to employ people better that yourself. -
Can you sum yourself up in one word?
No. -
What motto do you live by?
“No show, no dough” if you don’t turn up you won’t get the work, so put yourself about, if you don’t bother to get out and see what people are buying how will you ever know what to make and sell?
Grant Macdonald has work currently on display in an exhibition entitled Grant Macdonald: International Silversmith which is a retrospective of his 50 years as a working silversmith.
Grant Macdonald can be found at:
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