Cara Murphy
Cara Murphy is a contemporary silversmith applying traditional techniques to create innovative, sculptural silver tableware.
She says: “My work aims to create a silver landscape for the table that challenges the boundaries of functional silver tableware. Inspired by the natural environment, the work has a sculptural presence focusing on how the pieces interact with the table and metaphorically grow from it.”
Cara is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a selected member of the Contemporary British Silversmiths, and of C3 and Irish Craft Portfolio. Cara’s work is represented in numerous public and private collections and is exhibited internationally.
Trained at Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London, Cara leads research in contemporary silversmithing as an associate lecturer at the University of Ulster.
Cara works by private commission.
Professional Experience
2011 ‘Thirty’, Flowerfield, Portstewart
2011 MATERIALpoetry, Absolut Gallery, Galway
2010 and 2011 Portfolio, Farmleigh Art Gallery, Dublin
2010 and 2011 Portfolio, National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
2010 Material Poetry, American Irish Historical Society, New York
2010 Objects of Light, Danish Museum of Art and Design, Copenhagen
2009 Designers and Makers, FE McWilliams Gallery, Banbridge
2009 Side x Side – Edge > Edge, Hame Castle, Finland
2009 ‘Object’, National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
2009 Collect, Saatchi Gallery, London
2009 ‘A Pinch of Salt’, Goldsmiths Hall, London
2008 ‘Silver Sounds’, Queens University, Belfast
2008 Connect: Eat and Drink, Hillsborough Courthouse, N. Ireland
2008 ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, Bluecoat Gallery, Liverpool, National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny
2007 ‘Moments of Indulgence’, Millennium Galleries, Sheffield
2007 ‘Connect’, Aston University, Birmingham
2007 ‘A Dynamic of Change’, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, USA
2007 ‘Making Changes: Contemporary Craft in Northern Ireland’ Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast
2007 ‘Making Changes: Contemporary Craft in Northern Ireland’, Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown
2006 ‘Silver Connections’, Crafts Council of Ireland Touring Exhibition, Ireland
2006 ‘TEN’, Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham
2004 ‘Looking Over My Shoulder’, Lesley Craze Gallery, London
2011 The Silver Trust Collection for 10 Downing Street
2010 Ulster Museum
2008 National Museum of Ireland
2008 Rangers Football Club, Glasgow
2007 Queens University Collection, Belfast
2006 Irish Embassy Permanent Collection
2006 Permanent Collection Arts Council of Northern Ireland
2002 Design Awards presented by the Institute of Designers in Ireland
2001- 2004 The Northern Ireland Construction Industry Awards
2001-2003 New Product Awards for Showcase Ireland, The International Craft, Gift, Fashion and Interiors Fair, presented by the President of Ireland
2001/2002 National Poetry Awards sponsored by Seacat in association with Poetry Ireland presented by the President of Ireland at Dublin Castle
2001 Public Collection, Arts Council an Chomhairle Ealaion presented by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to celebrate their 50th anniversary and 25 years North / South cooperation
1998 Sustained Artist Award presented by the Irish Museum of Modern Art
1997 Public Collection, Aberdeen Art Gallery
1997 Public Collection, Shipley Art Gallery, Newcastle upon Tyne
1997 Public Collection, Ulster Museum, Belfast
1996 Silver Communion Box, Hillsborough Parish Church, N. Ireland
1995 Silver Teaset and Tray, Barry’s Tea, Cork, Ireland
2008 Major Individual Award (£15,000) Arts Council of Northern Ireland
2005 Arts Council of Northern Ireland Individual Arts Award
2004/2005 Research Leave from the University of Ulster
2003 Arts Council of Northern Ireland Individual Arts Award
2002 Arts Council of Northern Ireland Individual Arts Award
1997 Winner of the Kilkenny Beer ‘Cream of Irish Awards’, Craft and Design Section
1996 Arts Council of Northern Ireland Creative Arts Award
1994 Awarded the Crafts Council of Ireland Quality Mark
1994 Selfridge Prize, Highly Commended, Royal College of Art
1993–1994 Precious Metal Bursary, Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London,
1993 Eurocraft participant Copenhagen / Belfast
1992 Winner of Cutlery Design Award, Royal College of Art
1992 Richard Hubbard Arroll Memorial Prize, Glasgow School of Art
1992 Winner of the British Stainless Steel Student Design Awards
2011 Irish News
2011 Ulster Star
2011 News Letter
2011 Belfast Telegraph
2011 The Irish Times
2008 The Sunday Times
2009 ‘Silversmith Cara to get prime spot at Gordon’s table’, The Newsletter
2009 ‘A New Wave of Silver Surfers’, The Sunday Times
2008 ‘C’mon Silver Lady’, The Belfast Telegraph
2008 ‘Set Out on the Silver Trail’, The Belfast Telegraph
2008 ‘Cutlery Draws’, The Sunday Times
2007 “Silver Focus”, Select Furniture and Interiors of Ireland
2006 “Stunning Silver Connections Showcase”, Ulster Tatler Interiors
2006 “Home Truths”, Northern Ireland Homes and Lifestyle
2006 “Silver Connections”, Irish Arts Review
2006 “Design Portfolio”, Family Connections, Irish Arts Review
2006 “Shortform”, Crafts Magazine
Contact Details
18 Ballynahinch Street,
Hillsborough,
Co. Down,
BT26 6AW
