Cara was commissioned by The Silver Trust in 2008 to provide the first piece from Northern Ireland in its Downing Street Collection. Her desk set, entitled Contour, has been three years in the making and has already crossed the Irish Sea eight times to undergo various processes including hallmarking, polishing and engraving.
'I am very honoured and excited at the thought of having a piece that will be used daily by the Prime Minister,' said Murphy, who is Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. She presented her creation to Rupert Hambro, chairman of trustees of The Silver Trust, at a reception at Hillsborough Castle on Monday, May 23. The piece is now sits on the Prime Ministers desk at No 10.
The piece uses sterling silver, Wenge wood and enamel, and was inspired by elements of the Northern Irish countryside. 'I’m inspired by nature and the landscape,' said Murphy. 'By using enamel, I’ve introduced colour and experimented extensively with shades of green to get the perfect combination.
The various shade of green were enamelled by Deirdre, who researched and tested several combinations of colours in order to complete the creation of this magnificent piece.
To see more of Cara's work visit http://www.caramurphy.com/
Deirdre has also had work purchased recently by the Ulster Museum. Picetured below is a Pepper Pot and sugar Caster which is inspired by Deirdre's drawings and prints of prickly pears.
View more of Deirdre's work here http://www.deirdremccrory.com/
