David Constable, FSA, is a highly-respected authority on silver spoons, as well as a renowned collector and author. He is also known for his extensive interests in, and collections of, other silver antiquities.
Aside from being a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, he is past chairman of the Silver Society (2006-7), a founding Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and a member of the Silver Spoon Club. His latest book – Silver Spoons of Britain 1200-1710 – is a highly anticipated work, following the successful and well-received publication of a previous work, entitled The Benson Collection of Early Silver Spoons published in 2012.
Well known, by silver traders, auctioneers, and collectors, as well as by museums, for having an interest in silver antiquities, David’s interest was first pricked when receiving a gift – from his wife Grace, in 1997 – of a Stilton Scoop. He hasn’t looked back since and has a particular interest in spoons, drinking vessels and wine labels.
David also enjoys commissioning contemporary silver items, and this wide-ranging interest in silver probably stems from his early days in metalworking, when he undertook a blacksmithing and engineering apprenticeship. Soon after completing his training he set up his own business within the metalwork industry, but since 1981 he has worked as a consultant on the design and conversion of vehicles to carry wheelchairs.
Regarded as being an inspired and dedicated researcher in the field of silver antiquities, David’s new book – Silver Spoons of Britain 1200-1710 – is the culmination of a decade’s rigorous searching and research, both in his own extensive resource library and in collections held elsewhere, both privately or in museums.
David has also written a number of papers that have been published in specialist journals on various aspects of spoon and wine-label collecting and this in-depth knowledge and dedication to the genre, enables him to give lectures and masterclasses on various aspects of the subjects. He is also well-versed in the art of curating collections and provides a curating service to other collectors.