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Bishopsland Retrospective Exhibition & Awards

Bishopsland Retrospective Exhibition & Awards Saturday 19 July 2025 Near Swindon, Oxfordshire Join Bishopsland for the end of year Retrospective Exhibition Bishopsland's first public event at their new home within the National Trust’s Heritage & Rural Skills Centre in Buscot, Oxfordshire. You are invited to join Bishopsland where you’ll be able to look around their new workshops, see the contemporary hand-crafted work which has been designed and produced onsite all year, and help them congratulate their cohort as they receive their Certificates of Achievement. The event will be open from 3.30pm and light refreshments will be served. Please park in

Bishopsland @ London Craft Week 2025

Bishopsland @ London Craft Week 2025 13 May 2025 Cutlers Hall, London Meet the makers at the Bishopsland pop-up selling exhibition on 13 May 2025 With thanks to The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Bishopsland are delighted to be holding a one day exclusive selling exhibition at Cutlers Hall, London, on Tuesday 13 May, from 3.30 – 7.30pm with last admission at 7pm. Probably the largest dedicated exhibition of contemporary silver jewellery and objects held in the UK and building on the sell-out success of last year’s event, Bishopsland are delighted to exhibit work made by their current cohort and a

Bishopsland @ Craft in Focus - Waterperry Gardens

Bishopsland @ Craft in Focus - Waterperry Gardens 11 - 13 July 2025 Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire J oin Bishopsland at the Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair at Craft in Focus Bishopsland will again have a large stand at the Desire Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair at Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire, from 11-13 July. Your ticket buys you entry to two fabulous events, as running alongside is Celebrating Ceramics 2025. Bishopsland had such fun last year, surrounded by many other talented silver jewellers and object makers, as well as ceramicists, and our cohort are busy honing their collections for this fantastic event. Early

Open Studios Bishopsland Educational Trust

Open Studios @ Bishopsland Educational Trust On Saturday 6 August between 2pm and 5pm the workshops and exhibition space at Bishopsland Educational Trust will be open to the general public. There will be demonstrations of traditional hand craft silversmithing techniques and an exhibition & sale of work produced here by this year's resident-makers and a number of fellows, including Malcolm Appleby, Bryony Knox, Alice Fry, Nan Nan Liu and Sheila MacDonald. The event is free to attend. Bishopsland Educational Trust, Dunsden, S Oxfordshire, RG4 9NR c.murdoch@bishopsland.org.uk Photo : Yuyi Cheng Chalice 2022

A celebration of 30 years of Bishopsland Educational Trust Exhibition

A celebration of 30 years of Bishopsland Educational Trust Exhibition 17 June to 29 July 2023 The New Ashgate Gallery, Surrey Bishopsland Educational Trust has nurtured the careers of over 200 silversmiths and jewellers over the last 30 years. Today the Bishopsland society of Fellows are some of the foremost craftspeople in their field, continuing to pass their skills onto others and contributing to the vibrancy of the British craft sector. This exhibition celebrates both new and established makers from the Bishopsland, showcasing exceptional and highly collectable jewellery and silversmithing work. The makers from Bishopsland alumni are Sarah Shelton-Palmer, Charlotte

Bishopsland Educational Trust @ Goldsmiths' Fair

Bishopsland Educational Trust @ Goldsmiths' Fair Launching their 'Tools Library' initiative and spotlighting their heritage skills training programme as a feeder for Goldmsiths' Fair talent Week One: 26 September to 1 October | Week Two: 3 October to 8 October 2023 Goldsmiths Fair, Goldsmiths' Hall Integrity in making, wholeheartedly "Bishopsland Educational Trust is an internationally recognised and accredited charity dedicated to the training and education of young people in the craft of silversmithing in the United Kingdom. We have nurtured the careers of more than 200 silversmiths and jewellers over the last 30 years, the majority of whom have gone on

Bishopsland Pop-up @ Goldsmiths Centre

Bishopsland Pop-up @ Goldsmiths Centre 12 June 2025 Meet our current cohort at the Goldsmiths Centre An opportunity to meet and chat with our hugely talented 2024/5 cohort and witness their development as we move towards the end of their intensive Bishopsland vocational skills training programme. This is a lovely, exclusive event in the wonderful setting of the Goldsmiths Centre with ample opportunity to talk to the makers about their journey and planned next steps. Bursary support is generously provided by the following, which many of the Emerging Makers on our programme rely : The Benevolent Society, South Square Trust,

Bishopsland Launch £2.5M Capital Fundrasing Campaign

Bishopsland has announced today a new fundraising campaign ahead of its imminent relocation to the National Trust Buscot and Coleshill Estate in South Oxfordshire. The Bishopsland Educational Trust is taking out a 30 year lease on a 7,750sq ft historic Grade II listed derelict building to create a new home for Bishopsland, to develop spacious workshops, dedicated machine/hammering rooms, flexible creative and digital working areas, incubation workshops, offices, meeting facilities and accommodation. The organisation is due to commence activities on site from summer 2024. The Bishopsland Educational Trust is inviting visionary founding partners, dedicated funders, forwardthinking corporate sponsors and those

Bishopsland Newby Trust Bursary Programme 2025/26

Apply for a fully-funded bursary starting September 2025 The Newby Trust has generously funded a full Programme Fee bursary for a Maker joining the Bishopsland Educational Trust 2025/2026 programme. The bursary will be means tested. Makers who have attended an admission open day and completed the admissions process will be able to apply. Bishopsland will notify the successful recipient in May. Bishopsland is committed to supporting early-in-career makers to extend their skills and develop their commercial practices, yet appreciate that this requires a significant financial commitment. Bishopsland Educational Trust are delighted to have partnered with The Newby Trust, a charity

Bishopsland announces the opening of its new HQ

Bishopsland announces the opening of its exciting new home for professional training and partnership with the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre Bishopsland has successfully completed the first phase of its relocation to Buscot and Coleshill and a new partnership with the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, marking an exciting milestone in its journey. Bishopsland Educational Trust have disclosed to Benchpeg that they are thrilled to formally announce that their project to relocate and establish a future for silversmithing has been generously supported by the South Square Trust and the De Beers Group. The project is also

Bishopsland Exhibition & Sale at Clothworkers' Hall, London

Bishopsland Exhibition & Sale at Clothworkers' Hall, London Monday 28 November 4pm - 8pm On behalf of Bishopsland Educational Trust we have pleasure in inviting you to an exclusive, free, early evening event at Clothworkers’ Hall, London, on Monday 28 November 2022. Please register to attend here . We are honoured to be supported by over 30 of the UK's leading silversmiths and jewellers including Claire Malet, Jane Adam, Theresa Nuygen, Kayo Saito, Angus McFadyen and Miriam Hanid. It will also be an exciting opportunity for our current cohort of emerging makers to exhibit work made since they commenced the Bishopsland programme

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclass: Alloys with Yeena Yoon

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclasses: For intermediate / advanced makers Alloys with Yeena Yoon 11 - 13 August 2025 Oxfordshire Bishopsland is delighted to offer a series of 3-day masterclasses for intermediate to advanced makers delivered at its beautiful Grade II listed workshops in rural Oxfordshire. Each course will be led by a master silversmith and includes 3 full days of group & 1-2-1 teaching (maximum 6 attendees), including full use of the workshops and accommodation. Programme 4-6 August : Enamelling with Sheila McDonald 11 - 13 August : Alloys with Yeena Yoon 18 - 20 August : Press forming

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclass: Enamelling with Sheila McDonald

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclasses: For intermediate / advanced makers Enamelling with Sheila McDonald 4 - 6 August 2025 Oxfordshire Bishopsland is delighted to offer a series of 3-day masterclasses for intermediate to advanced makers delivered at its beautiful Grade II listed workshops in rural Oxfordshire. Each course will be led by a master silversmith and includes 3 full days of group & 1-2-1 teaching (maximum 6 attendees), including full use of the workshops and accommodation. Programme 4-6 August : Enamelling with Sheila McDonald 11 - 13 August : Alloys with Yeena Yoon 18 - 20 August : Press forming

Jacobs the Jewellers see record breaking Bishopsland awards

Over 300 members of the public voted for Bishopsland students in an emerging designers competition at Jacobs the Jewellers in Reading. Jacobs the Jewellers and the Bishopsland Educational Trust, together with sponsors the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh, announced the winners of the fifth edition of the annual Emerging Designer Competition. The three week long competition closed this week with the winners announced and a demonstration at Reading based Jacobs the Jewellers; a record number of 300+ votes having been cast for the largest field of entries yet. In competition designers were joined by sponsors Chris Oliver, Head of Professional

Bishopsland Educational Trust celebrate 30 Years of success with a Hall full of friends

On Friday 30 June, over 200 members of the industry and Bishopsland Fellows gathered at Goldsmiths’ Hall to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Bishopsland Educational Trust. Since it was founded in 1993 by Pope and Oliver Makower, it has become an internationally recognised and accredited charity dedicated to the training and support of people in the craft of silversmithing. Behind the growth of Bishopsland was Pope and Oliver’s vision, support and dedication and a generous patronage built from a belief in helping others. Bishopsland’s unique one-year residential course has helped over 200 graduates with a passion for precious metalwork

Bishopsland Opens Up Pedigree Masterclasses for Summer Short Course Up Skilling

Bishopsland Educational Trust have opened up their renowned masterclass programme to non-cohort members for the first time ever, in celebration of their new home in Oxfordshire. Bishopsland are, for the first time offering a series of 3 day masterclasses for intermediate-to-advanced makers as delivered on their year long residential programme from their new beautiful Grade II listed workshops in rural Oxfordshire. Each course will be led by a Bishopsland Master Silversmith and includes 3 full days of group and 1-2-1 instruction. Places are set to a maximum 6 attendees for each course. The course includes full use of the workshops and

Bishopsland Educational Trust announces Angela Cork’s appointment as Principal

The Trustees of Bishopsland Educational Trust are pleased to announce that, after a rigorous and competitive recruitment process, Angela Cork has been appointed as Principal, commencing September 2023. Pope Makower, Founder of the Trust, is stepping down thirty years after creating, with her husband Oliver, the Bishopsland programme. The Trustees are delighted that she has accepted the role of Principal Emeritus. At a special reception at Goldsmiths’ Hall in June 2023 to celebrate Pope and Oliver’s lifetime achievement, and to look forward to the future of Bishopsland, she will formally hand over the baton to Angela. Angela excelled through the

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclass: Press forming with Angela Cork

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclasses: For intermediate / advanced makers Press forming with Angela Cork 18 - 20 August 2025 Oxfordshire Bishopsland is delighted to offer a series of 3-day masterclasses for intermediate to advanced makers delivered at its beautiful Grade II listed workshops in rural Oxfordshire. Each course will be led by a master silversmith and includes 3 full days of group & 1-2-1 teaching (maximum 6 attendees), including full use of the workshops and accommodation. Programme 4-6 August : Enamelling with Sheila McDonald 11 - 13 August : Alloys with Yeena Yoon 18 - 20 August : Press

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclass: Square stone setting with Machi Di Waard

Bishopsland Summer School Masterclasses: For intermediate / advanced makers Square stone setting with Machi Di Waard 27 - 29 August 2025 Oxfordshire Bishopsland is delighted to offer a series of 3-day masterclasses for intermediate to advanced makers delivered at its beautiful Grade II listed workshops in rural Oxfordshire. Each course will be led by a master silversmith and includes 3 full days of group & 1-2-1 teaching (maximum 6 attendees), including full use of the workshops and accommodation. Programme 4-6 August : Enamelling with Sheila McDonald 11 - 13 August : Alloys with Yeena Yoon 18 - 20 August

Bishopsland Educational Trust Silver & Fine Jewellery Exhibition & Sale

Bishopsland Educational Trust Silver & Fine Jewellery Exhibition & Sale Bishopsland Educational Trust warmly invites you to an evening celebrating the best silversmiths & fine jewellers. Tickets: FREE Date: 22 November 2021 Time: 5pm - 8pm Venue: Clothworkers Hall About the Event The event is free and includes: 17.00 - 20.00: Enjoy a glass of wine on arrival, watch demonstrations and explore the exhibitors’ sale upstairs in the Reception Room 18.00 - 18:45: Guests have the opportunity to sit down for a short lecture by Kirstin Kennedy, V&A, followed by an interactive panel discussion, with the ability to explore the

9th edition of Jacobs the Jewellers’ Emerging Designer Competition launches this Summer

Supporting craft skills and talent with the Bishopsland Educational Trust, the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh Blake Roberts In this year’s 75 th anniversary year, award winning Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, today revealed the return of its annual Emerging Designer competition featuring nine emerging designers from Bishopsland Educational Trust. Helping boost fledgling careers, the event combines a virtual show with instore experience reflecting the local and national audience for amazing craft skills and design. As is customary, each competitor creates both a piece from a jewellery and an object category. Angela Cork, Principal Bishopsland Educational Trust

Young Designer winners announced at Jacobs the Jewellers

Jacobs the Jewellers and the Bishopsland Educational Trust, together with sponsors the Goldsmiths’ Company and HS Walsh, announced the winners of the third edition of the annual Young Designer Competition.  The awards ceremony, held at the Reading-based Jacobs the Jewellers store, saw   the Jacobs team joined by the Deputy Mayor of Reading, Councillor Glenn Dennis; Judith Cobham Lowe, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company; Patrick Sheehan, Director of HS Walsh; Penelope Makower , Principal and Oliver Makower , Vice-principal of Bishopsland ; and loy al Jacobs customers . Georgina Burgess, Jessica Jue , Rachel Hewison and Rebecca Black

Meet the Benchpeg Team

This is us. We are the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers. Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has 20 years of experience in the industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery industry could share and access information. Along with being Editor-in-Cheif of Benchpeg, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust , Committee Member for the Communications and Marketing Committee at The Goldsmiths’ Company ,

Q&A: Ruth Tomlinson

Ruth Tomlinson is the Creative Director of her eponymous jewellery brand. She has developed an internationally recognised luxury jewellery business from her central London based atelier which has associations with some of the world’s most prestigious names. She has been hailed with influencing a new generation of jewellers with her design aesthetic and ipseity. Ruth graduated in 2001 with first class BA (Hons) degree in Three Dimensional Design from Manchester School of Art. After being selected to attend the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Getting Started course, she went on to study on the Bishopsland Post Graduate course and then was appointed as

Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition Returns

Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, will launch the third edition of its annual Young Designer Competition this summer. Staged at the renowned jewellery store from 6 - 30 June 2017, the exhibition will feature work by 10 emerging designers from the   Bishopsland Educational Trust , the prestigious South Oxfordshire silver and jewellery design postgraduate skills provider. While competitors will exhibit one new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery, the public will be able to vote for their favourite designs.    Adam Jacobs , of Jacobs the Jewellers , said, “ After two years,

Rebecca van Rooijen

Meet the Co-Founder and Editor of Benchpeg. Rebecca van Rooijen MA CMktr FCIM FRSA Co-founder | Editor Rebecca is the creator of Benchpeg, she has over 25 years of experience within the jewellery industry (she started young!), her vision was to create a resource where the jewellery trade could share and access resources in order to democratise information. In addition to editing Benchpeg and the weekly newsletter (which just celebrated its 800th issue) which she created 18 years ago, Rebecca is a Trustee of the Bishopsland Educational Trust and Chair of the Goldsmiths' Fair Advisory Board at The Goldsmiths'

Professional Development

We've compiled a list of professional development and short course providers from up and down the country... West Dean College West Dean Nr Chichester West Sussex PO18 0QZ www.westdean.ac.uk Annette Petch Jewellery Studio 1 Manor Oaks Studios 389 Manor Lane Sheffield S2 1UL www.annettepetchjewellery.co.uk Barovic Jewellery Academy Barovic Jewellery Academy 2 The Broadway Bedford Bedfordshire MK40 2TH 01234 340006 academy@barovic.co.uk www.barovicjewelleryacademy.co.uk Bezeal 16 Bryn Calch, Morganstown, Cardiff. CF15 8FD www.bezeal.co.uk Bishopsland Nr Reading Berkshire/Oxfordshire www.bishopsland.org.uk Bristol School of Ar Bristol School of Art Queens Road Clifton Bristol BS8 1PX www.sgscol.ac.uk Centrepunch South East London / Kent borders www.centrepunch.co.uk Craftworx Jewellery Workshops

The Goldsmiths' Company's 'Young Designer Competition'

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to support Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition, a brilliant initiative focusing on emerging silversmiths and jewellers. Staged at the renowned Reading-based jewellery store from 6-30 June 2017, the competition will feature work from nine emerging designers from the Bishopsland Educational Trust. One new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery from each designer will be on display and the public will get to vote for its favourite pieces. The Young Designer Competition exhibition will also feature live craft demonstrations and there will be a VIP winner’s event on Friday 30 June. The event's last day will also see it take part in Reading’s