Coutts London Jewellery Week: A Sparkling Array of Events Outlined for 2009
The award winning Coutts London Jewellery Week was formally launched at the Gherkin on the 20 January 2009. The Week is returning for a second year between 8-14 June 2009 following its successful debut in 2008. In attendance at the launch were some of the jewellery industry's biggest names such as Stephen Webster, Shaun Leane and Nadja Swarovski, alongside some of its rising stars Rachel Galley and Jessica de Lotz.
Planned events for Coutts London Jewellery Week include the return of Treasure, an exhibition of 40 of the capital's new designers. Held last year at the Tower of London, 2009 will see it installed within the equally impressive environs of London's Guildhall.
Elsewhere, hidden gems will be up for grabs when a city-wide treasure hunt hits the airwaves as part of a promotion run in conjunction with a major London radio station. Listeners will be invited to discover the treasures – all donated by top designers – in unusual locations in the capital. And visitors will be able to track the colourful history of jewellery by following an imaginative trail between a network of London's most famous museums. From the Elizabethan Cheapside Hoard at the Museum of London to contemporary designs premiered at the Fashion and Textile Museum, with plenty more in between – a rare opportunity to gain an insight into the important role jewellery has played across the centuries.
Within this city-wide celebration, London's historic jewellery quarter Hatton Garden, is unsurprisingly a key hub of activity during Coutts London Jewellery Week. Plans are afoot to transform it into a bejewelled garden, entwined with paths leading visitors to selected outlets for a unique insight into the jewellery design process, with a separate exhibition showcasing the diversity of talent in the area. Nearby, jewellery industry leaders London Jewellery First are hosting a Charity Diamond Gala Dinner at the historic Mansion House; this will be attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress with proceeds going to his official charities, St John's Ambulance and The Lord's Taverners.
Individual participants will also stage their own calendar of events during Coutts London Jewellery Week: The Goldsmiths' Company is launching Creation II, their summer exhibition which showcases the creative talent of 12 of the country's most distinguished contemporary artist jewellers, including screening behind-the-scenes documentaries made by award-winning filmmaker Paul Watson. From established names to emerging talent, the top contemporary artist jewellers of the future will be exhibiting at Brilliance which is staged by Craft Central; they are also looking to clear some of the mystique surrounding the jewellery industry by inviting the public to mingle with designers at an exclusive Meet the Maker event.
Elsewhere the Designer Jewellers Group will hold a glittering launch at the Barbican, inviting high-profile celebrities to model members' jewellery, which will be exhibited on the ground floor at the theatre. Mayfair is another area of London set to sparkle during Coutts London Jewellery Week. Hot on the heels of last year, Grosvenor Estates will be returning with Elizabeth Street and Mount Street Rocks – street carnivals which showcase top jewellers located in these areas such as Erickson Beamon, Carolina Bucci and new arrival Stephen Webster. Alongside the festivities, workbenches showing the intricacies of jewellery manufacturing will also be installed in units.
Other glittering exhibitions and launches are set to include x10 by Shaun Leane, a look at some of the most iconic pieces from his decade-long career, with other events being staged by Emma Chapman, David Marshall, DA Soley and Swarovski. There are also plans afoot to stage a second Shoes and Jewels in the Burlington Arcade where top designers from Cordwainers at London College of Fashion team their exotic shoes with exquisite jewellery from shops in the Arcade.
As important as the entertainment is the ability to educate visitors about the versatility of London's jewellery industry. To this end, the Gemological Association of America is hosting an Open Day at their campus and Notting Hill boutique Assya will be advising clients on bespoke designs to suit every outfit and occasion.
Sarah Deaves, Chief Executive of Coutts & Co commented: “Coutts is delighted to be principal sponsor of Coutts London Jewellery Week for the second year running, once again demonstrating ongoing commitment to supporting the world of entrepreneurs and contemporary art and design. These events will help to ensure the jewellery industry retains profile during a time when it is most in need, and that enterprise in jewellery is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally.”
Councillor Guy Nicholson, Chairman of the City Fringe Partnership, said: “As you've seen, Coutts London Jewellery Week has turned the world's eyes to the capital's design and production talent and is backed by many high profile supporters. This is indicative of the work of the City Fringe Partnership – bringing the industry together with public and private sector partners for the benefit of small businesses. We're delighted by Coutts' commitment to be headline sponsors for their second year – not only their support but active involvement – and hope that other companies will follow their example at this crucial time for British industry.”