About
A Legacy of craftsmanship since the 1920s
From Dunstan Pruden's humble beginnings in the 1920s, honing his skills at the Central School of Arts & Crafts, to the establishment of Pruden and Smith by Anton and Rebecca in 1988, our journey is a testament to the power of tradition and modern design.
Join us as we explore the milestones that have shaped who we are
As Freemen of the Goldsmiths' Company, Anton and Rebecca continue to uphold this rich legacy, blending their expertise to create jewellery that resonates with timeless elegance and contemporary flair. Below, explore the milestones that have shaped our heritage and defined our place in the world of luxury jewellery.
1920 - 1932
1920
The Beginnings
Dunstan Pruden began his journey at the Central School of Arts & Crafts, choosing it over the Royal College of Art. He honed his craft as an assistant to a London-based goldsmith, laying the groundwork for a remarkable career.
1923
Significant Commission
Dunstan received a pivotal commission from the Rector of Exeter College, Oxford, to create a silver altar cross, earning £250 and establishing his public reputation as a master goldsmith.
1932
Relocation to Ditchling
Dunstan moved to Ditchling, joining the Craft Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic. The following year, his book "Silversmithing" was published by St Dominic’s Press, securing him a teaching position at Brighton Art College, where he taught for over thirty years, shaping the future of silversmithing.
1934 - 1975
1934
Educational Leadership
Pruden led silversmithing at Brighton School of Art, mentoring students such as Gerald Benney RDI, Michael Murray, and Anthony Elson. He introduced a unique method of creating figurative work directly in silver, requiring exceptional thought, time, and skill.
1959
Career Highlight
Dunstan created a 22ct gold chalice for the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool, a masterpiece that remains a testament to his extraordinary talent.
1975
Inspiration and Training
Inspired by Dunstan, Anton Pruden trained as a silversmith in Gloucestershire under his aunt and uncle, Angela and Philip Lowery. Rebecca Smith, having studied Art and Design as a teenager, went on to study fine art at Farnham Art College. Their paths crossed in the workshop, leading to the creation of Pruden and Smith.
1988 - 1994
1988
Establishment of Pruden and Smith
Anton and Rebecca established Pruden and Smith, merging their expertise to create a business that honoured traditional craftsmanship while embracing contemporary design. They quickly earned a reputation for their skill, taking on commissions and opening their workshop in Ditchling at the Turner Dumbrell workshops.
1990
Significant Commission
Rebecca and Anton created a four-piece altar set for Ampleforth Abbey, including three 2-litre silver jugs and a chalice, all hand-chased with a vine leaf motif, showcasing their combined skills.
1994
International Recognition
Rebecca’s range of silverware, designed from 1988, was sold through prestigious outlets like Mappin & Webb and exhibited in galleries across America and Japan. Pruden and Smith toured with the Crafts Council to major trade fairs in San Francisco, New York, and London, and exhibited at Goldsmiths Fair, gaining international recognition.
1995 - 2000
1995
Prestigious Commission
Rebecca and Anton were commissioned to create the Mace and Chain of Office for the incoming president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, a solid gold piece presented by Hillary Clinton, further solidifying their reputation for excellence.
1999
Shift to Jewellery
Entering the new millennium, Anton and Rebecca shifted their focus to include jewellery, incorporating their silversmithing skills into innovative jewellery designs.
2000
Honoured as Freemen
Both Rebecca and Anton Pruden were honoured as Freemen of the Goldsmiths' Company, upholding their rich legacy in the craft.
2002 - 2009
2002
Relocation
Pruden and Smith moved their gallery and workshop to the village centre, occupying the historic building that once housed St Dominic’s Press, marking a new chapter in the Pruden and Smith's growth.
2007
Significant Commission
Rebecca designed a set of chalices and ciboria for Worth Abbey, contributing to the aesthetics of architect Francis Pollen’s contemporary round church, alongside a furniture commission by Thomas Heatherwick.
2009
Digital Presence
Pruden and Smith launched their first website, showcasing their luxury jewellery designs and expanding into bespoke services, introducing unique jewellery collections marked by their distinctive artistic flair.
2010 - 2024
2010
Team Expansion
The team welcomed Simon, a new head goldsmith, who worked with Rebecca to expand their luxury jewellery collections.
2017
Recognition
Pruden and Smith gained recognition in the South of England, winning the Muddy Stilettos Award for Best Jewellery Store in the county.
2024
Expansion
Pruden and Smith expanded their Ditchling store and Victorian workshop, growing their team to meet increasing demand as their reputation continued to flourish.
