Rodger Drew was born in London in 1951. His father was the artist Jacob Drew who had work on the liner ‘Queen Mart’ and in the Liverpool Museums collection. Initially trained in graphic design, photography and printing Drew subsequently worked as a commercial artist for the Brighton Evening Argus.
Deciding to re-train, he studied at the Glasgow School of Art (1978-1982) obtaining a BA (Hons) in silversmithing and jewellery after which he set up as a designer/ craftsman. Initially based in Glasgow, he later re-located to Perthshire, which has been his home ever since. Working in a variety of mediums Drew’s work is largely inspired by nature and mythology, employing his favoured technique of chasing and characterised by clarity of line and symbolic motifs derived from these sources. This was largely inspired by Michael and Mary Lloyd who taught the sills of carving in a variety of materials and chasing, respectively in a short course at the GSA. Along with tutors and former graduates of the GSA both he and Keryn Evely were members of Flux: The Glasgow Fine Metals Group which exhibited at a variety of venues, most notably the Roger Bilcliffe Gallery in Glasgow. Drew has also exhibited widely in the UK, including Goldsmith Hall, St. Paul’s and Coventry Cathedral, The Scottish Gallery and others. Both he and Keryn were members of the Society of Designer Craftsmen which was entirely appropriate as D was and remains a strong adherent to the aims and beliefs of his hero, William Morris.
Commissions include the Glasgow Herald Scot of the Year Award trophies 1981-3, the first of which was awarded to David Steel, who would go on to be the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. Others include various presentation pieces for media, corporate, sporting and academic awards. But it was the commission bestowed by the late Helen Cargill-Thompson which brought our attention back to Rodger. The 2025 touring exhibition ‘Making a Mark’ featured three works by Rodger, his highly decorative chased plate and bowl displaying his focus on nature and Biblical text. Within Helen’s collection, now donated to the GSA, is a cased set of twelve apostle spoons made in collaboration with his fellow GSA contemporary and former partner, Keryn Evely hallmarked in Edinburgh in 1988. Combining her enamelling skills and his chasing ability they collaborated on a number of commission and other pieces.
Always keen to broaden his knowledge, Rodger later continued his studies at Glasgow University, where he obtained a PhD in Art History & English Literature, his doctoral thesis exploring the esoteric sources and influences in the art and poetry of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and his circle. This was subsequently developed for publication as ‘The Stream’s Secret: The symbolism of Dante Gabriel Rossetti’, published in 2007. This provides a fascinating sequence of links in the art of Rossett, Mackintosh and his circle in Glasgow, and the artists of the Vienna Secession, most notably Gustav Klimpt.
It is hard not to ignore the links between Rodger, a true polymath, his natural surroundings in the Scottish landscape and most importantly the GSA, all of which have provided so much inspiration for his work.
On retirement, Rodger decided to donate his silversmithing tools to graduates of the Dundee school of Art, with the firm intention and belief of encouraging the current generation of artist/ craftsmen and women. More often than not, tools are bespoke and unique to a piece of silver, and these forged examples show students how important an innovative approach is imperative to this craft.
Lyon & Turnbull is delighted to offer this wonderful collection exemplifying his chasing, his inspirations and his collaboration with Keryn.
