Malcolm Appleby (b.1946, London) is one of Britain’s most distinguished silversmiths and engravers, celebrated for his inventive approach to line, form and surface. He studied at the Central School of Art, Sir John Cass School of Art, and the Royal College of Art in London before establishing his studio in Scotland in 1969, where he continues to work.
Renowned for pushing the expressive possibilities of metal, Appleby has built a career defined by technical mastery and restless experimentation. While best known for his engraving, his practice spans silver, gold and mixed materials, approached with the same curiosity and precision. As he has remarked, gold is simply “another lovely material to work with.”
I’m passionate about the amount of energy and power that springs from the ancient craft of engraving. Works of art should be made for everyone to enjoy. Engraving is central to my design and art; it is from engraving that my other skills have evolved. – Malcolm Appleby
The Scottish Gallery has worked closely with Malcolm Appleby since the 1970s, presenting the breadth and evolution of his practice over several decades. Each work reflects a deeply personal visual language, inviting collectors into an ongoing journey of discovery with a major figure in contemporary metalwork.
In January 2016, the Gallery celebrated Appleby’s seventieth birthday, marking more than fifty years of remarkable creative achievement. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts, he was awarded an MBE in 2014. In 2026, The Gallery is celebrating Malcolm’s 80th year with a major solo exhibition in September 2026.
Public Collections include: Victoria & Albert Museum, London; The Goldsmiths’ Company, London; the British Museum, London; the Royal Armouries, Tower of London; the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums; the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; and Perth Museum & Art Gallery.
