Top goldsmith's work goes on show

Prof Benney's work earned him a CBE in 1995

The work of one of Britain's leading goldsmiths is on show at London's Goldsmith's Hall, 20 years after his work was last exhibited there.

Among the works of Gerald Benney on display at the "Richness and Colour" show are 90 pieces of silver made for the mayor in Reading, Berkshire.

Prof Benney was made a Freeman of Reading 15 year ago after making 173 pieces of mayoral silver.

Prof Benney, who lived in Reading from 1963 to 1999, was made a CBE in 1995.

The town clerk of Reading felt that Reading was not on the map and was determined that it would be put on the map Gerald Benney

He said: "More than 140 wonderful companies in the Reading area contributed towards the mayoral silver and I spent around 20 years making the items.

"I was living near Aldermaston and the town clerk of Reading felt that Reading was not on the map and was determined that it would be put on the map.

"He wanted the place to be known further afield and felt that people coming to Reading should be entertained properly.

"The silver used to be placed on the table at the town hall for visitors to view, including people from America who found the pieces, and their history, extremely interesting."

The free exhibition runs until 9 July.