A unique Elizabeth II contemporary sterling silver teapot, Birmingham 2014 by Wally Gilbert (b.1946), designed by Nick Eldridge Of cylindrical form, with short truncated cylindrical spout with a saw-pierced integral filter. The bayonet disc lid with an arch over handle of free moving cylindrical black fibre. Fully marked underneath, part-marked to lid, the underside also with laser facsimile signature. Height – 17.4 cm / 6.85 inches Weight – 871 grams / 28 ozt Wally Gilbert trained at West Sussex School of Art and Design and then at Chelsea College of Art. He started his creative career teaching jewellery as an associate lecturer in art, design and jewellery, including a period of teaching part-time at Hereford College of Arts. His earlier carerr his commercial work was predominately in jewellery. He has exhibited in galleries in both the UK and abroad including New York and at the V&A, and during the 80’s he worked part-time for Goldsmith and Architect Louis Osman. In the 1990’s he focussed on silversmithing and was awarded Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and City of London for his ‘Shadows’ series of solo exhibitions. Since 2000 he has taken up residencies across a range of disciplines in Australia and the United States. He was also commissioned by De Beers to design a diamond trophy for Ascot, and in 2007 he was Artist in Residence at Hereford College of Arts. In 2012, he was awarded a Gold prize from the Goldsmiths Craft Council. Architect Nick Eldridge was an associate of Sir Norman Foster, working on projects in London and in Nimes. He later became Design Director at John McAslan and Partners for projects in London, Italy and Turkey. Eldridge London have won numerous awards including being shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize, twice shortlisted for the RIBA Manser Medal (House of the Year) and winners of the Manser Medal in 2017, winners of various regional and national RIBA awards, British Homes Awards, a Civic Trust Award and finalists in both FX International and Blueprint magazines' Interior Designer of the Year. Privately commissioned for a distinct South London home