Designer Siobhán Sacker shows her mettle

I love working with metal, such as copper which has been used to create homeware for more than 10,000 years...My aim is to bring together centuries of décor trends and create pieces that people will love and that will not go out of style - Siobhán Sacker, metalsmith and founder of Gilded Hound

Sat, 06 May, 2017 - 01:00

Aileen Lee

What’s your background?

I was home-schooled — because of this I was always into teaching myself how to work creatively with my hands. I moved to India for a few years when I was a teenager and there I saw coppersmithing being done with incredible skill. That started a passion in me to learn about it.

In college, I studied multi-media production. I then went into media and marketing jobs but I always continued to learn how to design and produce pieces that suited my taste. It was when I bought my first home a few years ago that I really became serious about making copper and brass pieces. I was self-taught, but I knew I could make the pieces that were missing from the market, so I started Gilded Hound and I’ve never looked back.

What’s a typical work day like for you?

My work days are so incredibly varied, it’s hard to give a typical one. It’s one of the joys of being a designer/maker, but it also means you have to be organised and have lots of spreadsheets to stop important jobs falling through the cracks.

My work days consist of time-slots of researching, designing and making products. Emails, phone calls, and meetings with customers and prospective clients are also a big part of my day. I also take time to talk to and visit suppliers. I spend time most days getting our message out to the consumer, whether it’s through social media, PR, marketing collateral, or working with stockists to promote us.

Tell us about a recent or favourite design/project you have worked on?

I just finished a one-metre circular, solid brass-rimed mirror. Up until then, I had been stopping at 80cm but when someone requested it even bigger, I was so excited to see the result. It was an absolute thing of beauty. Next stop is a 1.2 metre mirror; I just need someone with a ridiculously huge house or a big empty wall to take the plunge.

What’s your design style?

I love old Georgian/Victorian houses with beautiful heritage pieces from the past, mixed with well-made modern pieces. That’s what I try to achieve with Gilded Hound pieces. We use solid copper and brass, not just because they look amazing, but because it’s not going to deteriorate, instead it’s only going to become more antique as the years go by.

What inspires your work?

I love working with metal, such as copper which has been used to create homeware for more than 10,000 years. I also adore modern shapes and styles like the round mirror. My aim is to bring together centuries of décor trends and create pieces that people will love and that will not go out of style.

What’s your favourite trend at the moment (if you have any)?

I love the style of luxe, plush-interiors-meet-old-country-house that we are seeing around so much these days.

What’s your most treasured possession?

Apart from my beloved dogs, Meadow and Laurel, my most treasured possession must be my house and garden. I bought it a few years ago with my fiancé. We went through a stressful time finding, bidding and closing on it so when we finally got to move in we couldn’t believe it.

Who would be your favorite designer, or style inspiration?

I adore the English designer Tom Dixon. I love how he’s also self-taught, and that his work is celebrated in museums all over the world. He’s always working on modern designs that are inspired by his English heritage.

What would be a dream project for you to work on?

I would love to work with an architect or interior designer on fitting out an old-style luxury hotel or restaurant.

Have you any design tips for us?

Buy statement pieces you love and then you won’t get caught up in fads. If it’s a stunning piece that makes your heart sing, then it’s worth it and it always will be. You can bring the latest colours or style in with an easy paint job or something small like cushions, but the big pieces need to be able to stand the test of time.