Supporting British Industry & Craftsmanship
Grant Macdonald began learning the craft of silversmithing at the age of 14. Over fifty years later he runs a large silversmith and goldsmith workshop in Southwark with his son George, producing handmade silver and gold pieces ranging from tableware and objets d'art to ceremonial commissions. The company holds a Royal Warrant as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths to HM The King.
In 2019 Grant Macdonald London moved from a characterful Victorian warehouse in Clerkenwell, which had been home since 1971 to a glazed, twenty-first century building in Southwark. Here, they produce commissions for their customers which include bespoke objects, clocks, trophies and ceremonial swords. There is a network of artisans nearby to call on for such skills as cutting, enamelling and embossing. With 18 members of staff, this is one of the biggest silversmithing workshops in London. The team mix new technology and tradition, making hundreds of different sizes pieces a year - a ceremonial sword might take 250 hours.
"This was a stunning building in the heart of Southwark. Their clients are investing in incredibly valuable pieces so it felt important that the building looked the part too. The workshops were peaceful and tidy, with a wonderful mix of traditional hand skills and high-tech machinery. This craftsmanship is reflected in their contemporary, high end designs." Carmel King photographed Grant MacDonald in April 2021 for Made in London.
