The Goldsmiths’ Centre Presents The Culture of Cutlery Exhibition
The Goldsmiths’ Centre in London is pleased to present The Culture of Cutlery, a new exhibition exploring the rich design history of European knives, forks and spoons from 1425 to the present day. Opening on 22 April 2026 and running until 24 June 2026, this free exhibition invites visitors to discover how tools for dining have evolved over six centuries of craftsmanship, innovation and shifting social habits.
Drawing from the historic collections of the London Cutlers’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Company, alongside works by modern and contemporary makers and silversmithing businesses, The Culture of Cutlery celebrates the extraordinary range of form and function found in these tools of consumption. Tracing the journey from the personalised knives and spoons of the medieval period, often carried by their owners, to the boundary-pushing innovations emerging today, the exhibition reveals cutlery as a site of continuous experimentation of materials, techniques and creativity. Exhibits will be presented against the backdrop of Timorous Beasties Disappearing Damask wallpaper, alluding to the culture of fine dining in which many of the sets of cutlery on view were used.
A special focus is placed on the Cutlers’ Company’s collection, which began in 1934. More than thirty objects from the collection will be on display, including pieces by the renowned London cutler Ephraim How, celebrated for his exceptional craftsmanship, he became the Master of the Cutlers’ Company in 1706. These historic works will be shown with five award-winning contemporary cutlery sets from the annual Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition, founded by the Cutlers’ Company in 2021.
“At its heart, The Culture of Cutlery looks at how designers turn ubiquitous forms —handles, blades, tines, and bowls — into implements that shape the way we experience food. The balance, texture, and weight of a knife, fork or spoon can change how a meal feels and tastes. We invite visitors to explore these fascinating objects and consider how cutlery will evolve in the future,”
– says Charlotte Dew, Head of Public Programmes at the Goldsmiths’ Centre
The exhibition also brings together works from across the spectrum of cutlery making, from the handmade to mass production. Visitors will encounter hand-forged pieces by leading makers such as Louis Osman, Rauni Higson, Simone ten Hompel, and Rebecca de Quin, as well as mid-century production designs by influential figures in British design, including David Mellor and Robert Welch. Contemporary cutlery sets by silversmiths, including Richard Fox and Grant Macdonald, further illustrate the ongoing dialogue between design, technology and modern manufacturing.
A programme of online and in-person events will support the exhibition. An exhibition catalogue, available for pre-order through the Goldsmiths’ Centre shop, will let visitors delve into how cutlery shapes the experience of eating and its evolution from medieval to modern designs. Visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/whats-on/the-culture-of-cutlery to find out more.
Exhibition Details
The Culture of Cutlery
22 April – 24 June 2026
Mon – Fri, 9am – 6pm
Free admission
The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London EC1M 5AD
Dinner Knife, Fork and Spoon 1972-73, Louis Osman, Britannia silver, parcel-gilt. Goldsmiths’ Company Collection
Knife, Fork and Spoon 1882-64, Francis Higgins, London, England, Silver-gilt. Cutlers’ Company Collection ref. CC280
Knife and Fork in Sheath 1577, Maker unknown, Germany or the Netherlands Steel, silver, boxwood. Cutlers’ Company Collection, ref. CC261
silverWEAR 2025, Lucy Anderson. Sterling silver, leather
Minimal Cutlery 2002 (designed), David Mellor Design, Stainless steel
Disappearing Damask Wallpaper, Timorous Beasties
