The Culture of Cutlery exhibition

The Culture of Cutlery is a fascinating exhibition at The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London (open 22 Apr - 24 Jun 2026) exploring examples of European knives, forks and spoons designed for dining, dating from 1425 to the present day. I’m delighted to have my ‘Eucalyptus’ cutlery featured, loaned from the collection of the Goldsmiths’ Company.

Photographer Julia Skupny, The Goldsmiths' Centre, 2026

The exhibition seeks to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of these tools of consumption, and to inspire innovations of the future. Drawing from the collections of the London Cutlers’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Company, and a range of modern and contemporary makers and businesses, it highlights the materials, techniques and cultural shifts that have informed the design and evolution of knives, forks and spoons.

Eucalyptus cutlery, part of 72 piece canteen to show each piece from 3 angles, photo by Clarissa Bruce

Back in 2011 I made a 72 piece canteen of the Eucalyptus cutlery, which is used and enjoyed on a weekly basis, and last year I made an extra set of dessert forks to add to it. Below are some work in progress images, from the forged and Fold-formed handles to the soldering, cutting, refining and polishing. Each item is finely made by hand, for the hand and mouth, and for the appreciation of good food.

I especially enjoyed the incredible variety of travel cutlery in the exhibition, from the earliest knife and fork sets to sustainable, non disposable and hygienic options for today. I’ve been thinking about making travel cutlery for years, I must get onto it!

The show is open until 24th June, 2026, but if you miss it there is an excellent catalogue available from the Goldsmiths’ Centre.