Meet the talent steering our production team: W.J. Sanders’ Production Manager and Head Silversmith, Paul Smith, merges age-old craftsmanship with the vibrant spirit of Australia.
A Foundation Built on Traditional Smithing
W.J. Sanders is proud to welcome our new Production Manager, Paul Smith, from the United Kingdom. Having trained at the University for the Creative Arts Kent and The Goldsmiths' Centre in London, he went on to work with some of Britain's most revered silversmith workshops, where he refined his skills in both traditional craft and complex restoration. With decades of hands-on experience and a deep respect for heritage techniques, he brings to our Sydney workshop a commitment to excellence and a passion for preserving the enduring art of silversmithing.
These formative years shaped not only his technical ability but also his restoration philosophy: that the best restoration comes from understanding both the maker's intent and the methods used to bring a piece into being. "The craft of restoration is only as strong as the understanding behind it," he says.
His background in hand-raising, forging and joining metals gives him a sharp sense of how silver and other alloys behave - not just in their original state, but after decades of wear or repair. This insight allows for careful decision-making. As he puts it, "Restoration can very much be 'the workmanship of risk'." Quoting British writer David Pye, he reminds us that even skilled hands must plan every step, as processes like brazing or surface treatment carry risks. At W.J. Sanders, we work to enhance each piece with care and precision, ensuring every restoration remains true to its original essence.
European Skills, Australian Application
Having worked extensively in the UK, Paul brings a rich understanding of materials, processes and standards. "The UK has a deep silversmithing heritage," he says. "Its assay offices have upheld strict rules on precious metal quality for over 700 years." This environment of rigour and tradition shaped his craft. Now in Australia, he brings that same ethos to our workshop. Although classically trained, he understands where selected modern tools can support the work.
"Modern techniques aren't diluted," he explains. "They're just another tool in the arsenal." While WJ. Sanders is rooted in traditional methods, processes like TIG or laser welding are used carefully, particularly when working on fragile or heat-sensitive areas. But these never replace hand skills: they simply enhance them when appropriate.
Respecting the Past While Restoring for the Future
Every restoration begins with a decision: whether to intervene, and how. "It's all about using modern techniques appropriately," he says. Traditional soldering can involve high temperatures that risk damaging patina or gilded finishes. In contrast, laser or TIG welding can deliver localised repairs while leaving original surfaces undisturbed.
"These techniques can make an almost undetectable repair," he explains. "They preserve the finish and help restore pieces that might otherwise be too costly to save." Still, every step is chosen with care, always based on what serves the object best.
From Europe to Australia: A New Chapter in Craft
What excites him most about joining W.J. Sanders is the variety of artefacts and materials. "Australia is such a melting pot of cultures," he says. "It's fascinating what antiques have ended up here, given the distance from, well, everywhere."
He's also struck by the Australian approach to value. "In Europe, restoration tends to focus on silver and gold. Here, there's real appreciation for nickel silver, copper and plated wares too. Many have deep sentimental value."
This broader mix brings both technical and creative challenges, and aligns perfectly with his belief that every object, regardless of material, deserves care and respect.