Fred Rich Enamel Design, UK

[Brigitte Martin]

Damsel Moonstone Vase
Silver, silver gilt and enamel with 22 carat gold cloisonné, and moonstones set in 22 carat gold. Height 150mm (5.9 inches)

Fred Rich is regarded as one of Britain's most exciting art enamelers. His pieces are highly prized both in the UK and internationally. As his numerous awards testify, Fred Rich is a highly skilled designer and master enameler working in the distinctive fields of silversmithing, fine jewelry and art medals. His varied skills that include carving and engraving make him one of the most versatile craftsmen in the UK today.

Rich's work is often representational and individual, he usually prefers forms and themes from nature. Function is given a high priority during the design process. Many pieces are made for private commission. Larger pieces take many months of painstaking work resulting in a limited and sought-after output.

Made for a private commission, this tea set with teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, and tray is based on a tea dance. The characters include the client’s family, and even favorite pets!

Aquamarine ring

<18 carat gold and enamel with aquamarines and yellow diamonds. A bespoke piece incorporating some sentimental aquamarines the client wanted incorporated in the ring.

Feather Necklace

18 ct yellow gold and enamel with covellite stones. Blue/ green sections are hand engraved and enameled to give the appearance of feathers.

Table Centerpiece

Silver, silver gilt, 18 & 22 carat gold, and enamel. The enameled sections comprise applied silver sheet which is soldered on before being enameled. The center bowl has a rose in the design of honeycomb with bees.

Ironmongers Millennium Vase

Silver, silver gilt, and enamel. This vase won the Jacques Cartier Memorial Award at the Goldsmiths’ Craft Council Awards 2001.

The base of the vase comprises three salamanders holding up a flaming crucible. The flames, which represent the sun and its life giving forces, flow into the enameled design. Sparks from the flames extend up and become stars in the night sky. Night and day represent the cyclical nature of time and this is further strengthened by four floral panels representing the four seasons. Height 390mm (15½ inches).

Jasmine & Dragonflies
Water jug & beakers. Silver, silver gilt, 18 carat and 22 carat gold, and enamel. The enameled sections comprise applied fine silver sheet which is soldered to the piece before being enameled. The jug holds about 1 liter of water and stands 240mm high (9.4 inches).

Sources:

Artist website: http://www.fredrichenameldesign.com/

The Goldsmith's Directory: http://directory.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/designers/fred-rich/#

[nicole jacquard]

That work is absolutely beautiful!!!

Thank you for sharing Brigitte!!

Best,

Nicole

[anne havel]

geez, what an artist!  incredible.

[Brigitte Martin]

Thank you, Jennifer. I agree with you, I too was absolutely blown away when I came across this work. This workmanship is something else. Mad skills, wonderful way with color.

Here's an additional image for your viewing pleasure:

[Jennifer Jordan Park]

This work is just spectacular! Thanks, Brigitte, for highlighting it.