Silversmith Gerald Benney created outstanding religious artefacts, including beautiful pieces of Judaica in the "bark" finish which he invented.
Non-Jewish, he studied at Brighton College of Art, where his father was principal. He was taught by a silversmith member of the Catholic Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic at Burgess Hill, Sussex. Working there inspired him to create religious as well as commercial products. His greatest commercial success was with Viners cutlery in Sheffield from 1957-70.
In 1961 he created the bark finish when the hammer he was using on a silver cup happened to be scarred by previous knocks on nails. The rugged, ragged effect turned out to be not only aesthetically pleasing but practical. It was stronger and tarnished less.
His many Jewish artefacts include Torah scroll ornaments, kiddush cups, mezuzot, a seder plate, menorah and Havdalah spice box.
A horse lover and investor, he also created trophies for major races.
From 1974-83, he was part-time professor at the Royal College of Art. His work was shown at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1978. He was appointed CBE in 1995.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, three sons and a daughter.