Join us for a special afternoon talk with Anton Pruden, grandson of Dunstan Pruden and Director of Ditchling jewellers Pruden & Smith.

Blending personal insight with craft heritage, Anton will explore the evolving role of goldsmiths through history, before turning to the remarkable life and work of his grandfather. From Pruden’s time with the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic on Ditchling Common, to his enduring influence on 20th-century silversmithing, this talk will trace a legacy that continues to shape contemporary practice.

Dunstan Pruden, whose works include the celebrated Pruden Chalice at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, was not only a master craftsman but also a mentor to some of the era’s leading silversmiths - including Gerald Benney, whom he taught at Brighton College of Art.

Enjoy an engaging afternoon of storytelling, craft history, and conversation - accompanied by a slice of cake and a cup of tea.

About the Speaker

Anton Pruden is a third-generation gold and silversmith, carrying forward a remarkable family tradition. His journey into making began at a young age, working alongside his engineer father in the workshop founded by his grandfather, Dunstan Pruden. Anton’s early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong connection to craft - and a deep respect for the legacy of handmaking that continues at Pruden & Smith today.