Born in 1945 in West Sussex, Hector Miller has carved a distinguished legacy as one of Britain's leading silversmiths and designers. A graduate of Hornsey College of Art, where he studied 3D design, he went on to train at the Royal College of Art. His early promise was evident when he won a competition to design ceremonial batons for the 1970 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games.
Hector Miller's Collaboration with Stuart Devlin
His professional journey included a time working for the renowned silversmith Stuart Devlin. Working as a designer and manager in Devlin’s Clerkenwell workshop, Miller contributed to many prestigious commissions. These included a gold cup for the European Economic Community and the York Minster goblet. The latter project marked the beginning of his long association with English cathedrals.
Hector Miller Establishes His Own Silversmithing Legacy
In 1974, Miller took the bold step of founding his own company, and in 1975, he acquired the workshop that had formerly belonged to the well-known silversmith Leslie Durbin upon his retirement. Located at 62 Rochester Place in Camden Town, he employed several skilled craftsmen and undertook many important commissions.
Hector Miller's Partnership with Aurum Designs
It was around this time that he began his association with Aurum Designs. This company specialised in producing limited-edition commemorative silver pieces as collector’s items. During the 1970s and 1980s, he created multiple designs with historic interest, including many for Cathedrals, often in the form of goblets, dishes, and candelabra, among other objects.
Miller developed a unique style in commemorative silverware. Many of his designs were partially gilded and involved figurative and intricate detail. This, therefore, demonstrated his clear enjoyment and expertise in silversmithing.
Hector Miller's Leadership at The Goldsmiths' Company
In 1986, Miller was made a Liveryman of The Goldsmiths’ Company, having held exhibitions there since the late 1960s. Various other appointments followed, and in 2011, he was made Prime Warden. Whilst in this role, he initiated and oversaw the ‘Mindful of Silver’ summer exhibition. This allowed him to showcase his work and that of eleven other silversmiths who were passionate about modern, creative designs.
As Miller stated, “As a designer, I am often asked where ideas come from. Mindful of Silver presents some of the creative processes that prompt new work and demonstrates the varied ways in which I, and fellow exhibitors, arrive at our unique solutions to the challenge of a commission.”
Hector Miller has helped ensure that commemorative silver remains a living, meaningful tradition. Whether for celebration, remembrance, or ceremony, his work remains treasured as art and history in silver form.
Hector Miller at Auction
Lot 69
Pair of Royal Wedding commemorative goblets by Hector Miller
Estimate: £500 - £700
Lot 71
Three Gloucester Cathedral commemorative goblets by Hector Miller
Estimate: £650 - £850
Lot 73
Pair of Peterborough Cathedral goblets by Hector Miller
Estimate: £500 - £700
Lot 75
Blackburn Cathedral commemorative goblet by Hector Miller
Estimate: £200 - £300
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