Dr. John Creed is one of Scotland’s most distinguished silversmiths, renowned for his innovative approach to metalwork and his influential role in arts education.
Born in Glasgow in 1945, Creed studied at the Glasgow School of Art before completing postgraduate training at the Royal College of Art, establishing himself early on as a creative force in contemporary silver design.
Creed’s work is marked by a striking synthesis of traditional silversmithing techniques with modernist aesthetics and experimental form. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has produced everything from ecclesiastical commissions and public artworks to intimate pieces of hollowware and jewellery. His silverware is characterised by structural clarity, bold lines, and inventive surface treatments—pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in metal.
In parallel to his studio practice, Creed played a formative role in shaping Scotland’s next generation of makers. As Head of Silversmithing & Jewellery at Glasgow School of Art, he taught and mentored countless emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to prominent careers. His legacy as an educator is as significant as his output as a maker.
Awarded a doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the craft, Creed has exhibited widely in the UK and internationally, and his work is held in major public collections including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Museum of Scotland.
