Pewter Designs and Techniques by Fleur Grenier

Pewter is an age-old craft that is enjoying a revival today. This book celebrates its heritage and qualities by explaining the techniques that have been used for hundreds of years and continue to be used today. The basic techniques involved with working with pewter are explained and how they can be applied to make a range of exciting pieces far beyond the realms of tankards and hip flasks. An essential guide for novice and experienced craftsmen, detailing the processes, of making, decorating and designing with this versatile material.

Topics include:

• Introduction to materials, equipment and tools
• Step-by-step guide to working with pewter
• Inspirational photographs of work from makers around the world
• Ideas to develop your own designs

Publication date 25th January 2010
260 x 215mm, 160 pages with over 200 colour photographs

ISBN 9781847971586
Hardback £19.95

Email: enquiries@crowood.com
www.crowood.com

April 2009

Fleur completed her book on Pewter, which she was commissioned to write by The Crowood Press and will be available to buy late 2009 early 2010. The book is a technical book explaining various pewtersmithing techniques with step-by-step guide and exercises; there are also examples of pewtersmiths work today.

March 2009

Finalist The Worshipful Company of Pewterers 'Open Competition,' with her Blossom Centrepiece, winner to be announced at Pewter Live in June.

March 2009

Fleur became a freeman of The Worshipful Company of Pewterers. The Pewterers Company is one of the oldest Livery companies and one of the few that still has an active involvement in the pewter trade.

February 2009

Fleur got Married! With pewter a prominent theme, pewter centrepieces, cardholders, cake knife, wedding favours, button holes, tiaras and bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids.

Childrens cutlery through to final

Fleurs entry into the Pewter Product of the Year 2007 has been put forward into the final. Run by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers the winner will be announced on June 7th at the Pewter Live event.

Fleur designs unique chain of office

Rustington Parish Council has had its new chain of office made by the acclaimed designer Fleur Grenier.

Fleur, who has a workshop near Angmering said she was more than happy to undertake the work.

The artist who works both in silver and pewter, said: "I was thrilled when Councillor Graham Tyler approached me in Autumn last year and asked me to design a new chain of office for the Rustington Parish Council.

"It was very encouraging to know that the council had the forethought to not only to approach a local craftsperson, but also to ask for a design in my own style rather than a traditional design normally associated with this type of chain.

"The council specified that they would like the new chain to be made in silver.

"I am very proud of the final design and it is great to know that this piece of work will become part of Rustington's history."

Rustington Parish Council chairman, Graham Tyler, said he was delighted with the new chain which was commissioned to replace the previous worn and damaged model.

He said: "The council is delighted to have been able to commission Fleur Grenier, a local craftsperson for its new Chain of Office.

"The fact that Fleur is making a name for herself as an excellent and most competent designer/metalsmith nationally, means that the Chain of Office will not only become a most renowned piece of Civic Regalia in the future, as Fleurs reputation evolves."

Pewter Live competition

The Worshipful Company of Pewterers annually host 'Pewter Live' at Pewterers Hall, London. The aim being to revive interest in the use of pewter in domestic and interior products.

The event ran over several days. As well as the Halls own pewter collection being displayed there were pewtersmiths demonstrating, casting, spinning and soldering techniques.

Also on display were student entries for the Pewter Live competition. In 2005 the company set up a competition for established designers, due to the success of this, the competition was set again in 2006 for 'Pewter Product of the Year Award,' With a 1st prize of £4000 2nd prize £2000 and 3rd prize of £1000.

Fleur entered the competition with images of her work and was invited to submit her actual products to be judged at Pewter Live.

The panel consisted of Sebastian Conran, Director of Conran & Partners, Julia Clarke, Hester Clarke Jewellers, Chris Hudson, Pewterer, Chimo Holdings, Sue Bonham, Fashion Designer, Rhoda Parry, Editor, Country Homes and Interiors, Laila Zollinger, Director Wildshaw Ltd.

On the 7th June Jasper Conran was invited to the Hall to present prizes to the winners. Having made it into the final of the Pewter Live competition with her design for a slate and pewter wine stand and candlesticks and set of serviette rings Fleur was thrilled when the results where announced at The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, no first prize was awarded but there was a joint 2nd of £2000 each.

Leonardo da Vinci grant

In February this year Fleur received a grant from the Leonardo da Vinci Program, funded by the European Union. This project was set up to enable established artists to work with other craftspeople in France.

The grant enables artists to gain new experiences which they can pass onto other artists, students and people in their community.

As Fleur has an interest in tableware she went to work with the company Laguiole en Aubrac, in Espalion in SW France. This company produces traditional and modern knives and tableware that are sold worldwide.

Fleur found the trip inspiring, not only gaining new techniques, but the experience of working in a different cultural environment. Since the trip she has come back excited about how she can incorporate what she has learned into her work.

Craftsman Magazine articles

Articles and pictures of Fleurs work have appeared in the following issues of Craftsman Magazine:

Issue 142 - May 2003

Issue 183 - October 2006

Issue 184 - November 2006

International Design Network Foundation Competition

In 2000, Fleurs talent and work were recognised when she was voted runner-up in the International Design Network Foundation Competition in New York, sponsored by GIFU, a Japanese cutlery manufacturer who are now preparing her work for the wider marketplace.

Click here for pictures of the award ceremony

Click here for information about the GIFU World Design Awards

Exhibitions 2009

Tooveys Contemporary Fine Art Auction
Work on display from 14th March to 23rd May

Worthing Museum & Art Gallery,
Chapel Rd, Worthing, BN11 1HP

Horsham Museum, The Causeway, Horsham, RH1L 1HE

Auction to be held on 30th May at: Tooveys Auctioneers,Spring Gardens, Washington, W. Sussex, RH203BS

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18th & 19th April
Open Workshop
Mettle Studios, Angmering, BN16 4BD

Every weekend between 2nd and 24th May
A Fine Line, Fiveways Artists Group - Brighton Festival
177 Ditchling Rd, Brighton, BN1 6JB

Open house every weekend during May.
Brighton Festival - Rottingdean Art Trail
18a West St, Brighton, BN1 8ND

11th & 12th June
Pewter Live - Worshipful Company of Pewterers
The Worshipful Company of Pewters, Pewters Hall, Oat Lane, London EC2V 7DE

13th & 14th June
Henfield Open Gardens
Red Oaks, Cagefoot Lane, Henfield, BN5 9HD

18th & 19th June
Red House Craft show
Red House, Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, DA6 8JF

22nd July - 2nd August
Standen
Standen National Trust, West Hoathly Rd, E. Grinstead, RH19 4NE

6th - 9th August
Crafts in Action The Sussex Guild
Michelham Priory Upper Dicker, Near Hailsham, E. Sussex, BN27 3OS

22nd - 23rd August
Open Workshop
Mettle Studios, Angmering, BN16 4BD

21st - 31st August
Arundel Gallery Trail
73 Tarrent St, Arundel, W. Sussex

7th July - 3rd October
Galerie Buzkashi
86a South St, Dorking, Surrey

2nd - 13th October
West Dean Barn Gallery
West Dean, Chichester. PO18 0RX

21st November - 23rd December
The Bonhoga Gallery
Weisdale Mill, Weisdale, Shetland, ZE2 9LW

14th & 15th November
South Hill Park
South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknnell, RG12 7PA

7th & 9th November
Hurstpierpoint College - the Sussex Guild
Hurstpierpoint Lane, Hurspierpoint. BN6 9JS

5th-6th December
Midhurst Craft Fair - The Sussex Guild
Midhurst Grammer School, North St Midhurst, W. Sussex, GU29 9DT

12th - 13th December
Sat 10am - 5pm & Sun 10am - 4pm
Open Workshop
Mettle Studios, Angmering, BN16 4BD