EXCELLENCE AT WORK

MARTYN GUILLE

Creating beautiful and interesting items from silver is part of Guernsey’s heritage and, as one of the island’s most renowned silversmiths, Martyn Guille has developed a strong following among local residents and visitors.
The success of that approach is underlined by the demand for Martyn’s work and one highlight of his career was the close interest shown by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1989 when they watched him at work during one local visit.

Martyn’s admired business approach is based on a belief that the overall visitor experience is important and he ensures that the premises are a part of the appeal. A visit to his Floral Guernsey award-winning workshop enables visitors to relax among the beautiful floral displays and lovely rural setting before browsing the stunning silver items on display.

His range of jewellery featuring Guernsey’s very own abalone shell, the ormer, is manufactured on site and much admired by visitors.

Martyn enjoys working on commissions because each one is individual, as well as deriving satisfaction from creating the ever popular Milk Cans, Christening Cups and Bachins.

He is justifiably proud of the fact that his hallmark is registered and has the Birmingham Assay marks: ‘These are the only recognised marks guaranteeing the standard of silver so my customers can be reassured that, as well as looking attractive, the items are all of superb quality,’ he concluded.

I take a genuine pride in being involved in a craft which has more than 300 years of history, and that link with the past is an important factor of what I design and create. During my 36 years as a silversmith, I have tried to bring together elements of local historic interest with contemporary aspects that make my work unique.