#InTheMoment series: we will interview Thomas Lyte staff, our partners and clients to explore in detail the moments that inspire us.
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Interviewee: Kevin Hart
Role: Head Silversmith, Thomas Lyte
#InTheMoment Blog Subject: A Silversmith’s Tale of the AFC Asian Cup Trophy
AFC Asian Cup: One of the oldest continental football competitions in the world between national teams of the Asian Football Confederation
Key Themes: AFC Asian Cup Trophy Design & Making Process, Traditional Silversmithing vs Modern Design, Life as a Thomas Lyte Employee
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The journey of creating the AFC Asian Cup trophy is not a straightforward project; it’s a combination of design, skill, and passion for craft. Our experienced lead silversmith, Kevin Hart, shares the intricate process that brought this symbol of victory to life:
Kevin Hart: “The design is fantastic and is inspired by the Lotus Flower shape, a highly significant symbol of peace in Asia. The five petals represent the five different regions contained within the AFC’s enormously broad reach. It’s a real stand out piece and I tend to treat it like my baby in a way.
Having only been a year into life at Thomas Lyte at the time, I learnt a lot about what was needed in trading and manufacturing to ensure this trophy was an exceptional creation.”
The AFC Asian Cup Trophy designed and crafted by Thomas Lyte
A lot of time and commitment is put into manufacturing these commissions, but it is the emotion which is felt that brings it all together:
Kevin Hart: “Seeing the completed trophy in the boardroom, and then being interviewed about its creation were truly special moments, but seeing everyone’s reaction towards this piece – that was the icing on the cake.”
However, with years of experience across many bespoke silverware and sporting trophies, such as the AFC Asian Cup trophy, there always comes challenges:
Kevin Hart: “The designs coming in now are really starting to challenge us in quite a big way; with the 3-D design and new technology. Of course, you need to remember these trophies need to be practical as they are lifted by elite sports professionals.
“There is a great synergy between the time and effort that goes into designing and crafting bespoke trophies, and what professional athletes put into winning these trophies, that makes this journey so rewarding for all involved.”
As we shift the focus from the trophies to workshop life itself, our lead silversmith shares what makes Thomas Lyte’s great company culture:
Kevin Hart: “The camaraderie and support here from top to bottom is an unparalleled, fostering an environment where creativity thrives. I’ve spoken to many people in different trades; the biggest thing to take away from your time as a craftsman is to teach, and learn from, the younger people coming through. That’s how the trade will survive. If you’re giving back, that’s your job done really.”
The relationships between our master silversmith and apprentices are the key to success:
Kevin Hart: “Patience and passion are our greatest allies. My advice to anyone coming up through the ranks of this trade would be to stick at it and show perseverance as it is a tough and challenging industry. These trophies aren’t created overnight.
“The journey of a silversmith in the trade is a lifelong apprenticeship, where every stroke of the hammer shapes not just the silver, but also the craftsman themselves.”
Crafting excellence isn’t just a job; it’s a real passion at Thomas Lyte, and our employees, like Kevin, are the torchbearers of a tradition that spans generations.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of our #InTheMoment employee blog series when we hear from two of Thomas Lyte’s apprentices and discuss their experiences in the trade, life at Thomas Lyte and what the future holds for them in the world of silversmithing.
Read about our press mentions and awards for the project
We have selected a number of case studies that demonstrate the broad range of our capabilities designing and making in precious metals.
