Recycled Britannia Silver ‘Cotter Pin’ brooch.

Made as part of Francisca Onumah’s and Helena Russell’s Jerwood Art Fund Makers Open 2022 commission; ‘Invaluable Tool’.

Inspired by a tool know in the silversmithing trade as Cotter Pins or Cramps, these pins are usually made out of iron or stainless steel wire and are used to hold two parts together while soldering.

These ‘Cotter Pin’ brooches are a take on this invaluable tool that’s been used in and outside of the trade for many years, celebrating its simplicity and importance.