Award-winning Irish silversmith Séamus Gill has issued a public appeal for assistance after his Dublin studio was burgled over the Easter weekend, resulting in the loss of decades’ worth of original work, including jewellery, silverware, and prototypes.
Details of the Burglary
The break-in, which took place at Gill’s studio in Dublin, resulted in the theft of a significant body of work spanning 40 years. Among the stolen items were one-of-a-kind legacy pieces, developmental prototypes for an upcoming collection, and hallmarked original works, all crafted using traditional silversmithing techniques.
Gill, who created a cruet set for Pope Francis during his 2018 visit to Ireland and whose work has been presented to public figures, said the theft involved pieces significant to both his career and Ireland’s craft sector.
Speaking to RTÉ, Gill said:
“It’s a lot of one-off pieces, it’s a cultural legacy as well as my work, my lifetime’s work. All the work is silver, which is unusual, there aren’t many silversmiths left. It has an identifiable signature, and it carries the Irish hallmark.”
Gill confirmed that his entire stock, including finished pieces such as candlesticks, vases, bowls, and beakers, as well as numerous works in progress, was taken. He noted that the nature of silversmithing, where the development of individual pieces can span several years, compounded the significance of the loss.
Cultural and Industry Impact
In addition to the stolen works, Gill expressed gratitude that a silver tea service he created, currently on temporary exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, remained safe.
Gill highlighted the personal and cultural significance of the stolen pieces, stating:
“Decades of work have been taken: original jewellery, including one of a kind legacy pieces, prototypes, and the full creative development of my upcoming collection. This is more than a theft — it’s the loss of a lifetime’s creative journey.”
For the jewellery and silversmithing industry, the theft represents the loss of valuable examples of specialist craftwork produced over several decades.
Appeal for Information
Gill has appealed for assistance from the public, asking anyone who might have seen or heard anything related to the break-in to contact Gardaí at Pearse Street Station. He urged individuals to share information widely, no matter how minor it may seem, to aid in the recovery of the pieces.
He said:
“Your information could help recover these works and bring some light back into what has been an incredibly dark time.”
