The Birmingham Assay Office was pleased to welcome three apprentices from Georg Jensen in Copenhagen this week for a visit to our historic silver collection and library and a tour of our Hallmarking facility. Anya Vraa, Cathrine Hall and Andreas Jorgensen are spending eight weeks in Birmingham and arrived in England the day before their visit to The Assay Office. They are working at the School of Jewellery until 11^th April and sharing studio space with current students. Clive Taylor, who is currently a student on the BA (Hons) Design For Industry at the School, accompanied them on their visit. Sally Hoban, Heritage & Training Officer, introduced Anya, Cathrine and Andreas to our silver collection and they were delighted to learn about the range of pieces that have been made in Birmingham since the late 18^th century and hear about how and when they were made. Their favourite pieces included our early 19^th century vinaigrette of a fish dating from 1817/18 and our taperstick in Brittania Silver and parcel gilt by Elkington, Mason & Co dating from 1844/45. They were also delighted to hear about the history of the Assay Office and learn about why Birmingham’s Hallmark is an anchor! Finally, as potential star silversmiths of the future, they were delighted to sign our Visitor’s Book as a record of their visit. We wish them every success in their careers. Picture shows from left to right: Clive Taylor, Cathrine Hall, Anya Vraa and Andreas Jorgensen.

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