MICHAEL BOLTON, a self-taught silversmith with a distinctive style, was among the top dozen or so designer craftsmen working in silver in the years since 1970. His work has been collected by individuals and instititions, and he received commissions from cathedrals, City livery companies and corporations.
Michael Alan Bolton was born in 1938 in Hammersmith, West London. When the war began in 1939, the family moved to Bromley, Kent, where he grew up. Unable to find a place at art college, he embarked on a career in commerce, first as a clerk in a shipping company and then with American Express, which offered him a £350 “golden handshake” in 1968. He took it and set up a pottery studio at his home at Biggin Hill.
A year later, inspired by a small exhibition of Gerda Flockinger’s jewellery at the V&A, he changed direction, away from the uncertain world of the potter to the equally uncertain world of the silversmith. He bought a book on silver, tools and some silver. His first endeavours were some pieces of jewellery which he gave to his wife for Christmas in 1970. These were much admired by friends and orders soon followed.
Bolton had a natural flair for fabricating silver and a strong determination to succeed. Within five years he had mastered the mysteries of the silversmith’s craft, developed his natural talent for design, and registered his mark at Goldsmiths’ Hall.
Gradually work began to come his way, first from individuals and then, as his reputation spread, from cathedrals and churches, city livery companies, corporations and institutions, all attracted by his distinctive style.
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This was inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement and back to our Celtic and medieval heritage, and his pieces were usually large and chunky, with hammer marks in evidence. They were always superbly crafted, often in Britannia silver, which is finer than Sterling silver.
Although the list of his big commissions was impressive, it was disappointing, although perhaps understandable, that the Goldsmiths’ Company, the chief promoter of good design and craftsmanship in precious metal, did not embrace Bolton’s silver with enthusiasm. There are just two pieces in its fine collection, but these were commissioned by Sir Anthony Touche, a past prime warden, rather than by the company.
The reason for this coolness is probably that Bolton’s art was not sufficiently contemporary or avant garde. His creations reflected the character of the man. He too was large — tall and well built — and in his later years he wore a fine beard.
He married Margaret Stanbridge in 1961. Once his silversmithing years began she devoted her time to advancing his career, becoming a proficient jeweller herself in the process. There were no children.
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Michael Bolton, silversmith, was born on October 24, 1938. He died on January 7, 2005, aged 66.