Cara Murphy Silversmith

Cara Murphy trained as a silversmith at Glasgow School of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. Since the early 1990's Cara has run her own silversmithing practice in Northern Ireland creating silverware for both private and public commission.

Cara works mainly to commission and exhibits her silverware internationally. Her award winning silver tableware has been showcased in numerous high profile applied art and silversmithing exhibitions. During her career Cara has also created many prestigious awards, which have been presented by prominent dignitaries.

Public and private collections include:
Goldsmiths’ Company Collection
Pearson Silver Collection
Office of Public Works Ireland
The Silver Trust Collection at Downing Street
Arts Council of Northern Ireland
Royal Ulster Academy
Ulster Museum
National Museum of Ireland
Shipley Art Gallery, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Arts Council an Chomhairle Ealaoin
Irish Embassy Collection
Royal College of Art, London

Awards include:
QEST Scholarship 2023
Royal Dublin Society Irish Craft Bursary 2021
Rosy James Memorial Trust Award 2016
RDS Award of Excellence and California Gold Medal 2012
Major Individual Award, Arts Council of Northern Ireland 2008
British Stainless Steel Design Award 1992.

Recognition/Membership
Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
Contemporary British Silversmiths
Associate Academician Royal Ulster Academy
Design & Crafts Council of Ireland's Irish Craft Portfolio: Critical Selection
Guild of Enamellers
Contemporary Applied Art

Teaching
Cara is passionate about sharing her knowledge. She taught as an Associate Lecturer at Belfast School of Art for 27 years. She left this role in 2022 to focus on her silversmithing practice but is still very involved in education. Cara often teaches one to one. She is external examiner for BA Hons Jewellery at Central Saint Martins, London and runs technical zooms for Contemporary British Silversmiths, which she started in the pandemic. If you are interested in her teaching a workshop or mentoring please get in touch

Purchasing work
If you are interested in her work please contact Cara or check out these galleries:

Adrian Sassoon Gallery, London
Contemporary Applied Arts, London
The Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
Irish Design Shop, Dublin
The Doghouse Gallery, Comber
Craftmasters Gallery