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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

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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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

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 ,

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'

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,

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

A Fresh New Look For The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths have announced the launch of the new Scottish Goldsmiths Trust website where you will find information about who they are, projects, opportunities, events and history. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) was founded by The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh in the year 2000. Its aims remain to support and promote the education, art an craft of Scotland’s gold and silversmithing heritage and trade. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has a dynamic programme of opportunities, exhibitions and awards. The SGT curates the Millennium Silver collection, Silver of the Stars and the historical archives of The

BFC Fashion Trust Announces 2017 Grant Recipients

Th e British Fashion Council has announced that its charitable initiative BFC Fashion Trust has awarded grants totalling £450,000 between eleven designers; the largest donation by the trust to date. New recipients for 2017 are Edeline Lee, Georgia Hardinge, Isa Arfen, Sharon Wauchob and Teatum Jones. Previous recipients who continue to receive funding this year are Eudon Choi, Fyodor Golan, Huishan Zhang, Marques’Almeida, Osman and Rejina Pyo. The BFC Fashion Trust was founded in February 2011 to offer selected designers mentoring and financial support to promote the art and business of fashion. As part of the structured mentoring programme

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust raise funds through raffle

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust Raffle is an opportunity for the Incorporation of Goldsmiths to raise funds for its charitable work. As a small arts charity operating in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic the Incorporation is now having to diversify and fundraise for all of its projects and programmes. This fundraiser, along with donations and grants, will support the work at The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and help preserve it during this challenging year and for the future. Funds raised through this raffle will be targeted to directly support Jewellers and Silversmiths at student and emerging maker level through three

Job Market Change: Apprenticeships are the new Educational Future

According to a new survey it was found that the UK is once again emerging as a hotbed for apprenticeships. Almost half (47%) of the respondents said they would accept an apprenticeship in their chosen field, given the opportunity. In a job market where you can find opportunities on your Twitter feed and be formally interviewed via Skype, it’s little surprise that attitudes are changing as to how you gain employment. Working alongside universities, modern apprenticeships are making a mockery of the idea that academic progression and hands-on experience are mutually exclusive. Young people can learn on-the-job, whilst studying in

The Angel Christmas Fair, Candid Arts Trust - London

The Angel Christmas Fair is an annual affordable art and design fair featuring the work of various artists and designers. The event will take place in December 2016 and will comprise all creative disciplines; painting, photography, illustration, fashion, textiles, jewellery, glass, ceramics and furniture. Dates: Saturday 3rd December – Sunday 4th December Times: 11.00am – 6.00pm Venue: Candid Arts Trust, 3 Torrens Street, London EC1V 1NQ www.candidarts.com

Hawes & Curtis & The Prince's Trust Launch New Collection

Hawes & Curtis, the quintessentially British brand, has created an exclusive collection in collaboration with HRH The Prince of Wales's charity The Prince's Trust. Hawes & Curtis is a quintessentially British brand specialising in fine tailoring and accessories for men and women. Founded in 1913 by Ralph Hawes and George Frederick Curtis, Hawes & Curtis has since become the go-to brand for British classics whilst continuing to deliver the promise of exceptional quality, innovation and outstanding value. These values are now synonymous with the Hawes & Curtis name. The collection consists of limited edition shirts for men and women, as

V&A P&O Makower Trust Commission awarded to Na’ama Haneman

The P&O Makower Trust Silver Commission is an exciting opportunity that supports a recently graduated or early career silversmith to create a major piece of silver that will go on display here at the V&A. In October we advertised a call for entries, inviting applications for the next commission and, following interviews, we are very pleased to announce that Na’ama Haneman is the 2023 recipient of the V&A P&O Makower Trust Commission. For over 45 years, the Penelope & Oliver Makower (1974) Trust has commissioned major objects of silver to go on long term loan to national museums throughout the

Scottish Goldsmiths Trust announce line up for Marchmont launch

To celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshops, the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has created a day programme on the Saturday 25 March for silversmiths, collectors, curators and industry VIPs to include the formal opening of the workshop, talks, panel discussion and silversmithing demonstrations. Speakers will include Hugo Burge, Director of Marchmont Ventures and Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture – New York. The day will offer a rich day of discussion and ample time to enjoy meeting and talking with fellow attendees. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) is establishing The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop as a national

Jeremy France Jewellers raise £11,000 for Murray Parish Trust

Jeremy France Jewellers have smashed their £10k target for donations made to local charity, The Murray Parish Trust, raising nearly £11,000 in just over a year. Since October 2016, the independent Winchester jewellers have been taking charitable donations for all jewellery polishing, as well as holding in-store events and raffles to raise much needed funds for the cause. Founded in 2014 by married actors Sarah Parish and James Murray in memory of their daughter Ella-Jayne, who sadly passed away in 2009, The Murray Parish Trust endeavours to transform the department in which their baby daughter spent her last precious days.

Jana Reinhardt jewellery partners with National Animal Welfare Trust

Passionate about animal welfare, brand founders Jana and Ross have also created several exclusive pieces intended to raise awareness of the plight of orangutans, greyhounds and foxes. When one of these pieces is purchased, a donation will be made to a range of different animal welfare charities, raising much needed funds. Passionate about animal welfare, brand founders Jana and Ross have also created several exclusive pieces intended to raise awareness of the plight of orangutans, greyhounds and foxes. When one of these pieces is purchased, a donation will be made to a range of different animal welfare charities, raising much needed funds. Passionate about

East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream, ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship’

East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream, ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship’ The London Design Academy 9.30am, Saturday 29 August 2020 The exciting international educational initiative – The London Design Academy (LDA) – continues the global educational debate this weekend with the second in a series of online global forums, East and West Dialogue: One World One Dream, ‘How to Develop the Sustainability of National Craftsmanship' live online on Saturday 29 August 2020 9.30am With the world facing unprecedented economic and social challenges in the aftermath of COVID 19, these forums are themed to the

New York Jewellery Week 2018

New York City Jewellery Week 10 - 18 November 2018 NYC Jewellery Week is NYC’s first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewellery through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature groundbreaking exhibitions, educational lectures, explorative workshops, exclusive tours, and unique collaborations with the best and brightest businesses, brands, individual jewellers, artists, and designers throughout NYC. Bella Neyman and JB Jones are the new heroines of the contemporary art jewellery movement. Unlike commercial fine jewellery or fashion costume Jewellery, One-of-a kind and limited production artist-made jewellery is a relatively new voice

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

Contemporary Silver Commission to go on Display at the National Museum of Scotland

The first of two new artworks created by recipients of the P&O Makower Trust Silver Commission for National Museums Scotland will be going on display this Spring after the National Museum of Scotland has reopened. The first of two new artworks created by recipients of the P&O Makower Trust Silver Commission f or National Museums Scotland will be going on display this Spring after the National Museum of Scotland has reopened . ‘Wave’ by Edinburgh College of Art graduate Jessica Jue

Opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop

Opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop Join The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust in partnership with Marchmont Creative Spaces as we launch a new home for silversmithing in the Scottish Borders: The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop. Day Programme To celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop, The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust has created a day programme for everyone from curators to collectors, and industry experts to those passionate about traditional craft. The day will include the formal opening of the workshop, talks, panel discussion and silversmithing demonstrations. Speakers will include Lisa Koenigsberg, President of Initiatives in Art and Culture based in New York

Silversmithing Short Course Bursary

The South Square Trust Award - Silversmithing Short Course Bursary West Dean College, Chichester PO18 0QZ West Dean College, The South Square Trust Award - Silversmithing Short Course Bursary is available for courses taking place at West Dean Sussex before 22 April 2025. The funding is available to early career makers within 10 years of graduating and or setting up their self-employed practice and those currently studying on a postgraduate course in silversmithing or jewellery who are looking for a West Dean silversmithing short course that will help them develop their skills. Courses include Silversmithing – with an emphasis on

Holts Academy of Jewellery Under New Management

Holts Academy of Jewellery has announced that it is now under new leadership, and has been undergoing strategic change over the last year. The change in ownership for the educational establishment means a new era and with this a new name. Holts Academy of Jewellry announced with this that ss of the 25 January it will be known as will be known as the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ). The BAJ have further announced the intention to retain its traditional values and dedication to teaching excellence, which it developed as it evolved as an education provider. A spokesman for the

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

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

The South House Silver Workshop Trust has recently announced it has awarded two fully funded six-month Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships and an additional four in collaboration with its partners. giving talented and committed silversmiths an opportunity to develop their creative and technical skills with silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. The winners are: Six-month Graduate Apprenticeships: Jessica Jue & Ellys Woods One month scholarships: Sarah Shelton Palmer The Jamie McDonald Kelly Scholarship Fenella Watson The Saunders Scholarship Loucinda Nims The Pearson Foundation Scholarship Charlotte Tollyfield The South House Silver Workshop Trust Scholarship The call for applications was made here: benchpeg .

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has named a former jeweller Ebba Goring as its new Director,to continue its work to promote ethical gold and silversmithing. Goring was previously the Incorporation’s Programmes Manager and delivered November 2019’s fifth annual Elements festival and also led on the organisation’s Ethical Making Programme and educational projects. Before joining the Incorporation Ebba was a self-employed jeweller, working in recycled precious metals and was a member of the Fairtrade Goldsmith Scheme. She was born in Edinburgh, raised in Fife and completed a degree in Jewellery and Metal design degree at Duncan of Jordanstone College or

Ebba Goring Appointed Director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths

Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong Special Edition 2022

Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) The special edition of Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) is returning to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 16 to 19 September with showcase after showcase of exciting product debuts, networking opportunities, and inspiring and educational onsite activities. The four-day physical event is once again broadening its appeal beyond its core B2B audience by welcoming jewellery lovers clamouring for the show’s “I Love Jewellery” experiences and attractions, said David Bondi, Senior Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia. Attendee registration for trade buyers and jewellery lovers is now

Highlights of New Designers 2023

On Friday Benchpeg visited the New Designers show 2023. With a sparse showing of jewellery and silver specific courses in representation, combined craft courses are clearly becoming a dominant factor in educational pathways. However, it was great to see strength in many of the jewellery, silver, gold and horology specific course degree shows. Here are a selection of our found highlights of the show (in no particular order). Shinta Nakajima Shinta Nakajima In an age where ancient symbolism has lost its mysterious power, Shinta Nakajima, has confronted the question, “Why do we decorate?” In traditional silversmithing, flora has been used

Matthew Burgess appointed New Head of Goldsmiths’ Fair for 2021

Digital engagement and arts professional, Matthew Burgess, takes on the role for one year as maternity cover for Harriet Scott Friday 15 January: Matthew Burgess joins The Goldsmiths’ Company as Head of Fair for the upcoming 2021 Fair this autumn, covering maternity for Harriet Scott who has been with the Company for over six years. Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked with leading Mayfair galleries, museums and individual artists both in the UK and internationally. He has organised and managed numerous high-profile commercial and educational events as well as exhibitions and fairs for renowned international artists

Pantone Colour Of The Year 2022

Pantone the universal mark of international colour language, has announced the colour of the year for 2022, 'Very Peri'. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri A new pantone colour whose courageous presence encourages personal inventiveness and creativity. “The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that colour can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new colour for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational colour program reflects the global innovation and

Trove: fine jewellers from the Goldsmiths’ Centre exhibit at Fortnum & Mason

Trove: fine jewellers from the Goldsmiths’ Centre exhibit at Fortnum & Mason From 30th March until 12 June 2023, the fine jewellery collective Trove, representing eight goldsmiths from the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London, will be showcasing their high-quality artisanal designs in the iconic Fortnum & Mason jewellery showroom. Their inspirations span the globe, from the natural world to pop art, family heritage to glitched technologies. All of their jewellery businesses are based at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, an educational charity and creative hub, close to Farringdon and London’s famous jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden. Charlotte Dew, Public Programme Manager explains: “ The

Museum of Arts And Design New York, Appoints Christian Larsen as Windgate Research Curator

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) today announced the appointment of Christian Larsen to the position of Windgate Research Curator, effective immediately. In this position, funded by the Windgate Charitable Foundation, Larsen will lead an educational and curatorial partnership between the Museum of Arts and Design and Bard Graduate Center (BGC) to increase the visibility of craft and design in art history and the contemporary art world. He replaces Elissa Auther who was named Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator last September. 'With great enthusiasm, we welcome Christian to the curatorial team at

Striking Futures

The NAJ and Sheffield Assay Office Join Forces for Striking Futures Event The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) and Sheffield Assay Office are pleased to announce Striking Futures, a new collaborative event designed to help businesses and students get ahead in the jewellery industry. Taking place on Thursday, 3rd November, Striking Futures promises to be a must-attend afternoon, whether embarking on a career in the sector or looking to boost your business. Register NAJ’s Principal Officer, Ben Massey, states, “We’re excited to collaborate with the Sheffield Assay Office to deliver an educational industry event that will provide great value,

Gold and enamel miniatures stolen from Devon Guild of Craftsmen

An Art Thief has struck in Bovey Tracey, snatching a precious gold and enamel miniature picture ‘of unusually high value’ in broad daylight. Police are seeking information about a significant theft from the Jubilee Gallery at the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey. The popular educational charity and visitor attraction was targeted for an exhibition that contained a small number of unusually high value items. Police have issued a statement saying: ‘On 5 April 2018 a burglary occurred at Devon Guild of Craftsman, Station Road, Bovey Tracey. An unknown person has stolen a piece of art that is shown

Q&A: Joanna Hardy

Joanna Hardy is the well known jewellery personality behind the Antiques Roadshow, but she has built her 30 year career in jewellery from the rough diamond valuing tables at De Beers to the heights of premier auction houses, latterly Sotheby’s in Bond Street. Previously having worked at Philips the auctioneers, Joanna has also worked in Antwerp, and has been responsible for jewellery auctions worldwide in New York, Geneva and London. She is also a published author on specialist jewellery tomes with Thames & Hudson and has recently launched an educational online Jewellery Foundation Course. Joanna now is an independent fine

Jewellery house Alessa announces annual charity campaign to support families, women and children

Alessa Jewelry was born out of a fairy tale romance between Yuvraj Pahuja and Alessandra Robles, after meeting at the Gemological Institute of America. Inspired by Alessandra’s Guatemalan ancestry and Yuvraj’s family experience within the jewellery industry, the brand boasts striking, vibrant and edgy designs for the modern woman, whilst nodding to both Latin-American and Indian heritage. Six years ago, Alessandra; born and raised in Guatemala launched ‘Give Wings,’ a year-long charity initiative on a mission to give back to the community. As part of this, the brand teams up with Not-For-Profits that not only provide housing, health and educational

The first edition of New York City Jewelry Week just started!

NYCJW is the first and only week dedicated to promoting the world of jewelry through educational and innovative NYC focused programming. In its inaugural year, NYCJW will feature exhibitions, lectures, workshops, studio tours. Aimed at supporting and fostering jewelry of all types, the initiative also includes participation from both established and emerging brands, individual jewelers, artists, and designers. Image: A yashmak made in the 1990s from aluminum and Swarovski crystals by British jewelry designer Shaun Leane for fashion designer Alexander McQueen Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Created by two industry leaders from the worlds of art jewelry and

IIDGR, part of the De Beers Group of Companies to show at IJL

Whilst De Beers is known throughout the international jewellery community as a supplier of rough and cut diamonds, the IIDGR division specialises in supporting the industry through its educational programmes, supply of synthetic diamond detection equipment and laboratory-based diamond grading facilities. With offices in Maidenhead, Antwerp and Surat, IIDGR has greatly extended its reach into the UK market, and now enjoys close commercial ties with many leading UK jewellery organisations, manufacturers and jewellery retailers. “Our main aim is to support the UK industry with a comprehensive range of diamond focused retail-based education modules and leading-edge technology supported by world class

Courses

There are very few specialist jewellery and silversmithing courses in the UK, here we have compiled a list of educational institutions offering higer level courses and also courses with jewellery, silversmithing or metalwork offered as part of the course... West Dean Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies - 1 academic year, full-time The Graduate Diploma (Level 6) is the start of your transition into Conservation Studies. The Graduate Diploma provides the theoretical and practical knowledge and experience necessary to start your career as a conservator and to begin to develop an area of specialisation. The programme is designed to be accessible from

British Fashion Council & Google Arts Celebrate The Creativity of British Fashion

A collaboration between the British Fashion Council and Google will bring to life the creativity, heritage and craftsmanship of British fashion. A new digital educational platform featuring content and stories from top British designers and fashion insiders has been created for anyone around the world to enjoy, for free. The project will support the BFC’s Education Foundation and aims to attract future talent into the industry. The platform g.co/britishfashion will provide a single destination to educate and inspire future generations of young fashion creatives, designers and students. To celebrate its rich history and create new experiences around British fashion, the

‘In The Loupe’ Exhibition, Vittoria Street Gallery

‘In the loupe’ is an exhibition of practitioners from both the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design. The exhibition was created to acknowledge the educational routes of alumni, Victoria Sewart, who is celebrating her 10 anniversary as proprietor of Victoria Sewart Contemporary Jewellery Gallery. ‘In the loupe’ brings together a vibrant collection of work created by artists, educators, researchers and practitioners from the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University and Plymouth College of Art and Design. The eclectic mix of work on show spans the breadth of the jewellery discipline from commercial

Gem-A revives historic ties with Canadian Gemmological Association

Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) has renewed its historic partnership with the Canadian Gemmological Association (CGA) to offer students and graduates at both institutions the very best in gemmological education. Taking inspiration from a previous agreement between the two associations, the new GemA and CGA educational partnership aims to create a stronger international community of gemmologists through access to a core syllabus; a shared body of information and learning that underpins both the CGA Certificate and Gem-A Diploma courses. In practice, this will enable CGA students to achieve a region-specific Certificate qualification, while also providing the core competencies

Sarah Salmon

Meet Benchpeg's Trends Editor. She makes up part of the team that bring the Benchpeg website, newsletter and social media feeds to our lovely readers, subscribers and followers Sarah Salmon Trends Editor Sarah has a natural flair for creativity and design, and is our trends and blog guru. She manages Benchpeg's weekly trends and fashion content . Her full time job is as a Digital Marketing Executive in the Educational Sector. Previously she worked as the Editorial and Digital Assistant at Gem-A , where she worked on Gem-A's Gems & Jewellery and The Journal of Gemmology publications as well as on

David Warren, International Jewellery Director of Christie’s to speak at NCDIA UK Launch

The Natural Colour Diamond Association (NCDIA) is a non-profit membership organisation whose mission is to train, enlighten and educate the global jewellery community about natural colour diamonds. Since 2003 the association has been spreading their collective expertise through various educational programmes. Whilst the public is increasingly knowledgeable about white diamonds, there is still a lack of reliable information about natural colour diamonds. The NCDIA seeks to address this by disseminating the most up-to-date gemological information to their members and supplying them with trustworthy marketing and promotional tools. Yves Frey, a specialist in natural colour diamonds, has been a member for 10

Jewellery Schools Listings

There are very few specialist jewellery and silversmithing courses in the UK, here we have compiled a list of educational institutions offering higer level courses and also courses with jewellery, silversmithing or metalwork offered as part of the course... Birmingham City University, School of Jewellery Undergraduate Jewellery Design and Related Products – BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery and Silversmithing- Design for industry- BA (Hons) www.bcu.ac.uk Gemmology and jewellery studies www.bcu.ac.uk Postgraduate Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - MA www.bcu.ac.uk Luxury Jewellery Management- MA www.bcu.ac.uk Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products - GradCert www.bcu.ac.uk Short Courses are also available- see website for more

Mentoring Programme

Jewellery Collective Mentoring Programme The Jewellery Collective - a membership organisation which is accessible to all, aims to break down barriers, share valuable industry knowledge, build trust and foster business relationships within the UK jewellery industry. Their events and activities are designed to be safe and supportive spaces where people can network, learn from each other, and build relationships. About the Mentoring Programme "The aim of The Jewellery Collectives mentoring program is to create a vast pool of knowledge that gives new professionals in the industry a place to start their journey." - Nadia Abbas Peer mentoring is a specific type of

Copenhagen Commitment Summit in London seen as hugely positive step forward

On a beautiful sunny day this week, Benchpeg was invited to join the Copenhagen Commitment’s second summit meeting hosted by the Goldsmiths' Centre to discuss what, in the most democratic and transparent manner, delegates considered to be the most important key issues around industry ethics, the environment and sustainability at both at macro and micro levels were. Delegates such as Pippa Small, Jos Skeates, Stuart Pool, Peter Crump, Melanie Eddy, Thelma West, Yianni Melas, Karen Westland of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust, Marcus McCallum, Charlotte Cornelius and many, many others were in attendance. Svend Wennick who drives the Copenhagen Commitment initiative

A History of Coronation Dress and Jewels

Talk: Ceremony And Splendour A History Of Coronation Dress And Jewels Clothworrkes’ Hall, London Monday, 6th March 2023 The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) will host a talk on coronations in the elegant surroundings of Clothworrkes’ Hall on Monday 6th March, with Caroline de Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art 100% of the proceeds will go towards TCDT's fully funded workshops, taught by craft specialists, for 14-19-year-olds who wish to develop their hand skills. Focussing on the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the lecture will explore the origins, design and evolution of Coronation dress and jewels – from richly embroidered fashionable

A new home for silversmithing

Scotland’s new home for silversmithing offers a thriving future for an ancient craft. A new home for silversmithing in Scotland aims to secure a thriving future for one of the country’s great and most ancient traditions. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) is establishing The Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop as a national centre where up to five silversmiths at a time can design and create stunning pieces from precious metals. Thanks to a generous bequest it is being fully equipped with the entire collection of tools, machinery and books built up by celebrated Scottish master silversmith Graham Stewart, of Dunblane, who died

QEST Scholar Exhibition at Fortnum & Mason

‘The Art of the Exceptional, a Jubilee Celebration of Makers’ 14th March – 19th June Third Floor, Fortnum & Mason To mark the anniversary of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Fortnum & Mason have partnered with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to host four exhibitions in the heart of their flagship store in Piccadilly. From March to June, the exhibitions will celebrate the best of British creativity, crafts and making, and conclude with the creation of a one-off Jubilee hamper of artisan products made over the four months. The exhibition series ‘The Art of the Exceptional, a Jubilee Celebration of Makers’

Radical Jewellery Makeover

Radical Jewellery Makeover Princes Square, Glasgow Saturday 26 March – Tuesday 29 March 2022 The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust is delighted to announce a new exhibition of jewellery, part of the worldwide Radical Jewellery Makeover originated by Ethical Metalsmiths. The exhibition runs from Saturday 26 March – Tuesday 29 March 2022. Students and staff from Scotland’s art colleges were invited to make new pieces for the exhibition – colleges involved are: The Glasgow School of Art; Glasgow Kelvin College; City of Glasgow College; Edinburgh College of Art; Fife College and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. There will be

Making the Future + QEST: Call for Volunteers

Help the Education and Employers campaign Making the Future ensure the future of craft includes the very best makers by joining our campaign and sharing your career insights with the next generation. They have teamed up with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) to invite those working in craft and making or conservation and restoration to volunteer and help showcase to young people the exciting opportunities available within the sector. Whether you’re a stonemason, a weaver, a blacksmith or a horologist – they need skilled makers working in different materials and traditions to get involved. Craft is a thriving sector

Jacobs mark 75th Anniversary with £175,000 charity fundraising target

Reading’s trusted independent jeweller announces exciting fundraising plans, marking their important anniversary with a grand £175,000 target Jacobs announced on Friday an ambitious fundraising program for 2023 in which the established and trusted independent jewellery retailer marks its 75th anniversary in business. The Berkshire based jewellers has always had close links with the community it serves and this bedrock commitment remains honoured. Incredibly, over the last decade Jacobs has already helped fundraise £136,000 for their charity partner: local NHS Foundation Trust, The Royal Berks Charity. In this coming year, Jacobs hope to fundraise a further £39,000 to make that total

2023 Silversmithing Graduate Scholarships Announced

Following the success of their 2021-22 programme, the Trustees of the South House Workshop Trust are delighted to announce three fully-funded silversmithing graduate scholarships for 2022-23. These residential scholarships are designed to accelerate the professional careers of promising silversmiths through four months of intensive workshop-based skills training. This year’s scholarships have been awarded to silversmiths Sheng Zhang, Karen Westland and Alice Fry. The scholarships will give the silversmiths the opportunity to learn a variety of professional silversmithing skills in intensive residential placements with leading silversmiths Rod Kelly, Brett Payne, Angus McFadyen and Chris Perry. Each scholar will be placed for

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery 13 November 2024 The Melting Pot, Edinburgh Tech Meets Tradition: The Jewellery Collective to host knowledge-sharing and networking event exploring the future of AI in the jewellery industry The Jewellery Collective – a community-driven members’ association founded on a vision of breaking down barriers, fostering trust and encouraging new connections – has announced an upcoming panel talk and networking event in Edinburgh called Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery . Hosted by co-working and event space The Melting Pot, this exciting event is designed to invite fresh perspectives

The Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 support four jewellers and silversmiths to work in new and innovative ways

Now in its second year, the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Career Catalyst Grants 2021 have been awarded to jewellers and silversmiths, Rachael Colley, Flora Bhattachary, Maya Selway and Sarah Wilson. Supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Radcliffe Trust, each grant is worth up to £5,000 and enables those working in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries to innovate and grow their knowledge and skills through ambitious learning experiences. Cutlery Comb, 2019, re-purposed stainless steel cutlery, powder-coated steel frame, Photographer Rachael Colley Selected by an expert judging panel, consisting of Goldsmiths’ Centre Trustees and industry experts, the finalists were highly commended for

A launch weekend fit for a silversmith

Last weekend Benchpeg spent a long weekend 'At Home with Silver' hosted by the The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) and Marchmont House. The Friday through to Sunday event, located an hour south of Edinburgh near Duns in the Scottish Borders, brought together 82 guests on the Saturday Open Day launch from across the UK and internationally to the Marchmont Estate. Together the collective gathered to celebrate the opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop - a brand new fully equipped workspace for silversmiths, developed by the SGT in partnership with Marchmont Creative Spaces. Present at the event were practising silversmiths, curators,

A gift, an idea and some generosity

Benchpeg has met Ebba Goring a few times now. She has a generosity of spirit which shines through as soon as you meet her. You can feel the warmth of personality she emits as you approach her to say hello. She’s also a fiercely intelligent woman which is conveyed through carefully considered words, a warm countenance and an extraordinary vision for what could be. But she’s also a person of action, and these attributes very rarely collide in a single person. As CEO of the Scottish Goldsmiths Trust (SGT) she is in an enviable leadership position within an entire country

Goldsmiths' Centre Launches New Grant for 'Ambitious Learning Experiences'

Grants of up to £5,000 are being offered for 'ambitious learning experiences' as part of the Career Catalyst initiative, offered by the Goldsmiths' Centre, with support from the Goldsmiths' Company Charity and the Radcliffe Trust. The idea was inspired by former Goldsmiths' Company Apprentice, award-winning jeweller and engraver Castro Smith, whose 2018 travels to Japan have informed and enhanced his recent work. In a similar vein, the Career Catalyst Grant is designed to encourage jewellers, silversmiths and others working in the allied industries to immerse themselves in an unfamiliar environment and develop an innovative approach to their practice. The grant

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Appointment: Dr Frances Parton new Deputy Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company

The Goldsmiths Company has announced that Dr Frances Parton has been appointed as Deputy Curator in the Collections Team. Frances Parton has a long and established career in the museum and heritage sector, having most recently spent time in curatorial roles with The National Trust, English Heritage and the V&A. She brings to the role a wealth of knowledge in decorative arts, contemporary and historic metalwork, silver and jewellery. With a PhD and MPhil from Cambridge University, a BA from Durham University and a track record of well received publications, Frances brings an impressive breadth of knowledge and distinctive perspective

Silversmith Claire Malet completes National Museum Wales Commission

‘The Company of Old Roads’, a new sculptural installation by metal artist and silversmith Claire Malet, commissioned by the P & O Makower Trust, will go on display at the National Museum Wales Cardiff, from 12 December 2017. The installation, in fine silver on a walnut base carved by woodworker Nick Barberton, makes reference to ‘Roads’ by the poet Edward Thomas (1878-1917), the centenary of whose death on the Western Front falls this year. Inspiration The piece grew out of Claire’s love of walking holloways, tracks and drove roads. Her explorations of old roads and the literature and art they’ve

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

Designer Tips for Ethical Practices to Start off a Sustainable Business Our friends from Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths have been up to great adventures in the field of ethical jewellery and sustainability. The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust, the charitable arm of the Incorporation, shared with us details of their latest initiative of setting up an online ethical jewellery resource for informing jewellery designers who want to work towards an ethical practice. It’s in Our Hands – Symposium on the Future of Ethical Jewellery Making in Scotland In partnership with the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, the Incorporation held their first

‘Tis The Season To Buy Diamonds Jeremy France Jewellers Host VIP Festive Fundraiser

Special celebrity guest, James Murray, was in attendance representing the Murray Parish Trust, a local charity that Jeremy France Jewellers have been proudly supporting this year. The Grade 2* listed building, situated at the very heart of historic Winchester’s bustling High Street, was decked to impress. Little of the shop remained untouched by the festive spirit as the decadent decorations also extended up through the gallery, with huge suspended Christmas wreaths visible from each level of the stunning three-storey showroom. With a traditional nutcracker theme running throughout and every detail adorned in beautiful bespoke decorations, the shop had been sprinkled

Jeremy France Jewellers delights with glitz at The Odd Ball

On 19th November, guests gathered at the Hilton, Ageas Bowl, for a night that had promised to be a visual masterpiece of unrivalled glamour and intrigue. Hosted by married actors Sarah Parish and James Murray, the sold out ‘Odd Ball’ was in aid of the Murray Parish Trust and their nationwide #2MillionSteps campaign, to raise £2 million for a state of the art children’s emergency and trauma department at Southampton General Hospital. Guests embraced the steampunk Trash and Tiaras dress code, with an abundance of aviator goggles, tiaras and top hats on display. Greeted by men on stilts and golden

Folli Follie Partner with Photoslurp

Leading visual commerce and marketing platform Photoslurp has announced a partnership with the FF Group to improve their customers’ online shopping experience. The partnership gives flagship jewellery and accessory brands Links of London and Folli Follie the ability to gather user-generated content, such as hash-tagged photos, improving the path to purchase for customers by making them ‘shoppable’. “Social proof has always played an important role in building trust with customers ever more so in today’s digital world. With brand presence growing rapidly on social networks like Instagram, Photoslurp will ensure we are maximising both our engagement levels and our visual

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland

It's In Our Hands - The Future of Ethical Making in Scotland by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This Symposium on Ethical Making is aimed primarily at jewellers and silversmiths, but is relevant to makers of all disciplines who have an interest in adopting an ethical approach in their practice. The day will be animated by a fantastic panel of speakers, including Greg Valerio MBE, award winning British fair trade ethical jeweller and environmental activist; jeweller Ute Decker; silversmith Karen Westland; Tim Ingle of ethical jewellery brand Ingle & Rhode; researcher Dr Peter Oakley

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop by The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust and DJCAD at the University of Dundee This course is designed and run by two leading proponents of ethical jewellery, Greg Valerio MBE & Ute Decker, and is about sustainability and ethical awareness. It is aimed at those involved in designing, making selling, learning or teaching jewellery and follows on from the Symposium the previous day. 1. What topics will we cover? The course will explain the ethical issues in jewellery making and the significance of Fairtrade and Fairmined gold. You will learn about different approaches to ethical

Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold 2023

Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver & Gold 27-29 October 2023 Edinburgh Elements returns to Lyon & Turnbull in Edinburgh for its ninth year in 2023, bringing together the UK's finest Jewellers and Silversmiths. From functional and sculptural silver to colourful, one-of-a-kind jewellery, Elements celebrates the vast range of expert craftsmanship and innovative design of makers from across the UK. Elements is a partnership project between Lyon & Turnbull Auctioneers and The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust. Exhibitors elementsfestival.co.uk/exhibitors-2023 Dates Elements Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold 2023 is open to the public Friday 27 October, 11am-5pm Saturday 28 October, 11am-5pm Sunday 29