Philip Noakes

Philip Noakes is a highly respected contemporary jeweller and master craftsman, based in Perth, Western Australia.

After studying at the prestigious Sir John Cass College of Art in London and gaining a Diploma in the Design and Craftsmanship of Silversmithing, Philip travelled to Australia in 1975 and quickly established an enviable reputation.

Philip’s passion is silversmithing, and whose technical knowledge and expertise enables the exploration of ideas that play with variations on classical forms, textures, surface treatments and techniques.

His dedication and outstanding work were recognised when he was conferred as a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths, United Kingdom, in 2016, making him only one of 170 recipients worldwide and the only silversmith in Australia.

Philip works from his studio and workshop, where he also teaches jewellery and silversmithing at Contemporary Metal in Osborne Park, Perth. He welcomes commissions. See below links to his website and social media.

In his ‘artist statement’, Philip says:

I was interested in forming and shaping metal from the very first copper and brass candlestick that I made in high school.

While studying in London I learnt the history of gold and silversmithing from Byzantium times to the 20th century. I was particularly drawn to the simplicity, minimalism and refinement of Scandinavian silversmiths and the aesthetic and the manual skills of the craftsmen and women of the Arts and Crafts movement. They have had a profound influence on my own career and continue to inspire me to this day.

I have collaborated with many highly regarded goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewellers on ceremonial, civic and private commissions, and worked with the late silversmith Louis Osman whose unique techniques highlighted the forming and hammering on surface textures.

I continue to pursue innovation and excellence in my work, and I keep the continuity of my craft alive with historical references and contemporary concepts. My latest body of work encompasses traditional forms, combining traditional skills with modern fabrication techniques and sculptural aesthetics. I have paid attention to the beauty of the material using rhythmic strokes to create spirally surfaces with lightly matt, polished and oxidised surfaces. Some objects are incorporate heat treated copper, which shows the wonderful richness of the material.

Find Philip online and at ::

Contemporary Metal Workshop and Gallery East.