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:

  • Victoria and Albert Collection

  • 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:

  • Heritage Crafts Northern Ireland Maker of the Year 2024

  • Arts Council of Northern Ireland SIAP award 2025

  • 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

  • Heritage Crafts

  • Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

  • Freedom of the City of London

  • Contemporary British Silversmiths, Vice Chair

  • 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