Search Results

'Pussy pendant' makes waves for young designer Lukas Grewenig

Tip for all young designers. If you want massive mainstream media attention, design a piece that resembles a part of the women's anatomy and get a high profile jeweller to promote it on Facebook and Twitter. Lukas Grewenig, a London based designer who studied at the Royal College of Art came up with his pendant design as part of the Gilded Youth Project run for talented youths by high end jeweller Theo Fennel and Central St Martins. It is made of silver and gold with a purple gem set in the middle, and is designed to portray the way a

Lettering Project

Lettering artist wanted for project with Ditchling Primary School, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft The purpose of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is to present the story and historical context of the artists and craft workers who lived and worked in Ditchling and its surrounding communities since 1900. This is to be achieved through the acquisition, organisation, presentation and interpretation of relevant and related objects and information and their deployment for public display, research and learning. The Project The museum is looking for a lettering artist to run a series of workshops with Ditchling (St Margaret’s) CE Primary

Exhibit at Project Workshops 2018

Exhibit at Project Workshops There is an opportunity for a jeweller to exhibit at Project Workshop’s Open Weekend 1 & 2 December. Project Workshops is at Lanes Farm, Quarley, nr Andover SP118PX, just west of Andover on the A303. The Life Studio at Project Workshops is used to show the work of invited artists in the beautiful setting that is home to numerous talented artists and makers. There is a great atmosphere at the Open Weekends, they happen only twice a year, with a good audience for the quality that has given Project Workshops a very strong position for celebrating

Mead Final Project Award

Call for Applications: Mead Final Project Award Are you a UAL undergraduate student in your final year? Do you need financial help to achieve your final major project? The Mead Final Project Award offers between £200 to £2,500 to help students who need extra funds to complete their final major project. Applications are now open. To read about past awardees, and to apply, please see the Mead Awards website . Applications deadline: Monday 26th November. For more information www.arts.ac.uk

Makers & Tools Project

Makers & Tools Project Old Fire Station, Oxford 17 May - 15 June 2019 The  Makers & Tools  project provides makers with the space and time to take risks in their practice, to explore new ways of collaborative working and to develop skills that will contribute to the success of their careers in contemporary craft.  It provides valuable continuing professional development opportunities for makers in the SW and SE, and makes visible the process of craft to a wider public audience. The project connects six contemporary craft makers in the early stages of their careers, who undertook a non-verbal conversation

Worth Partnership Project 2018

Call fro Applications: Worth Partnership Project After a successful first call, the second call is now open as a new opportunity to develop design-driven products in furniture, textile, footwear, accessories, jewellery and leather sectors WORTH Partnership Project, an initiative of the European Union to boost the fashion and lifestyle industry within Europe and develop innovative and design-driven products, has announced the first 25 winning partnerships from the first call. Now, the #WORTHPartnershipProject reopens applications to discover the next round of promising projects. WORTH is embarking on the second edition of a 4-year journey, aiming to support 150 partnerships throughout the

Andover Heritage Mural Project

Andover Heritage Mural Project Test Valley Borough Council wish to commission an artist to create two new murals for the Andover Heritage Trail. The artworks will provide dynamic visuals that animate the two heritage locations and their stories and provide a coherent theme to the existing trail. The artworks will enable residents and visitors of Andover to learn about, enjoy and discover the heritage of the town. The sites for the Murals are the Old Gaol (Old Jail) on Bridge Street [a small cubby hole], and the Angel Inn yard in the Upper High Street [the main mural]. Two very

‘9 March Project

Call for Applications: ‘9 March Project Open Call For Contemporary Jewelry Exploring Issues Of Gender And Feminism Contemporary jewelry exploring the subject of gender and feminism: research and exhibition. March 8 – for some it’s a day to fight for women’s rights, against gender stereotypes and inequality. But for majority people in Russia it is a day filled with stereotypical courtesies: flowers, chocolates and  “Let’s give mom a rest today”. March 9 for both is a sobering return to everyday reality, where women are perceived as serving staff, are paid 30% less than men on a similar post and are

Call for Participants: Pass it Along Project

Call for Participants: Pass it Along Project New year; new inspiration? The applications to join in the 2018 edition of the Pass It Along Project / Challenge are now open - for any jewellery makers that are looking for a fresh challenge for the new year... The Pass it Along Project is an international collaboration challenge for jewellers - think of the kids games 'Pass the Parcel' or 'Chinese Whispers' but with jewellers instead. Designed as a personal creative challenge for those involved, each jeweller starts work on a piece of jewellery, but then passes it along to another jeweller

EXPERIENCE Project Penzance, Cornwall Council

Gbp 100k Public Arts Trail Commission: EXPERIENCE Project Penzance, Cornwall Council As part of the EXPERIENCE project, Cornwall Council is looking to  commission an artist/a consortium of artists  to create an  arts trail  along the Marazion - Penzance Coast Path. This is an exceptional opportunity to create an  artistic landmark  of national significance for Cornwall. This arts trail will encourage people to connect with Penzance's cultural and natural assets, providing an opportunity for contemplation, reflection and engagement. We are open to  innovative and bold ideas  and particularly welcome proposals that reflect  outstanding and socially engaged practice.  We expect the artworks

Studio Assistant & Project Coordinator, Antony Gormley Studio

Studio Assistant & Project Coordinator, Antony Gormley Studio Kings Cross, London Antony Gormley Studio is made up of a lively and wide-ranging group of individuals with a common aim of extending the language of sculpture and making it available to a wider world. The Studio Assistant and Project Coordinator will primarily be a fabricator of artworks, while also applying this knowledge to leading the technical aspects of installations and project development. As a core member of the Studio team, you will work closely with both the internal workshop and project teams and external project partners, playing a key technical role

Emerging Visual Artists for Landscape Project

Emerging Visual Artists for Landscape Project, Surrey Hills Arts Surrey Unearthed will explore how materials of the landscape have been used by artists, makers and architects throughout history to shape the Surrey Hills AONB.  We are calling for artists to explore these materials and their contemporary relevance. We're looking for: Expressions of interest from visual artists, makers or designers with a fascination in creating work inspired by and within the landscape. Curious artists with a desire to research into a natural material and its history and present this in an innovative, engaging way. Artists in the early stage of their

Assistant Project Manager, Cooksongold - Birmingham, West Midlands

The role Assistant Project Manager Cooksongold Birmingham, West Midlands Cooksongold is a well-established global manufacturer of precious metal products. We provide a range of services such as bespoke manufacturing, stampings, and precious metal scrap refining. We are a pioneering force in the additive manufacturing industry, specializing in precious metal 3D printing for the jewellery, aerospace, medical and automotive sectors. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, creativity and customer satisfaction and delivering innovative and personalized products that meet the unique need of our customers. As our Assistant Project Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing

AA2A Project (Artists Access to Art Colleges) 2018/9

53 AA2A places for artists and makers in 13 host universities across England The AA2A project (Artists Access to Art Colleges) is offering over 50 placements, giving artists and designer-makers the opportunity to undertake a period of research or realise a project using art college facilities e.g. workshops,   IT facilities, lending library, lecture programme. AA2A schemes aim to benefit students and institutions through their interaction with practising artists Access is free, for at least 100 hours, between Oct 2018 and April 2019 AA2A's Support Fund, primarily for artists on low income provides expenses up to £350 Closing dates for

AA2A Project (Artists Access to Art Colleges)

The AA2A project (Artists Access to Art Colleges) is offering around 50 placements, giving artists and designer makers the opportunity to undertake a period of research or realise a project using art college facilities e.g. workshops, IT facilities, lending library, and lecture programme. AA2A schemes aim to benefit students and institutions through their interaction with practising artists •       Access is free, for at least 100 hours, between Oct 2017 and April 2018 •       AA2A's Support Fund, primarily for artists on low income provides expenses up to £350 •       Closing dates for applications vary but

Help Alan Craxford fulfil his final project

My name is Janice Hosegood, and I'm fundraising to help Alan Craxford complete his final project. We've known each other for over thirty years, first through work and in later years, we've become great friends. With a career spanning over 50 years, Alan Craxford is an artist, jeweller, silversmith, engraver, and teacher, acknowledged for his precision and mastery of precious metals and gemstones. Alan’s artworks are highly prized and have been exhibited over his career with examples shown within the Victoria & Museum’s permanent collection. In 2003, Alan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. It is a devastating condition and although

Evesham Bell Tower Lighting Project, Wychavon District Council

Evesham Bell Tower Lighting Project, Wychavon District Council Wychavon District Council is looking for an experienced individual or company to design and replace the exterior lights for The Bell Tower in Evesham. The Bell Tower is a heritage building and is on scheduled ancient monument land so will need permissions. This project is part of phase 1 of the Evesham Creative Lighting Trail which links the lights on the River Avon to the Almonry museum via Evesham war memorial, Abbey Park memorial gardens, All Saints Church and St Lawrences church. Project Timeline The project is due to start in July

Royal Academy Schools Announce New Project: Fashion Arts Commission

The BFC Fashion Arts Foundation and the Royal Academy Schools are committed to encouraging and nurturing future talent. A new commissioning project will bring together fashion designers and visual artists to collaborate across art forms. The project is called Fashion Art Commissions and will pair graduates from the RA Schools with NEWGEN and NEWGEN MEN designers. The commission will produce artworks that will form part of an auction at Christie’s. The pieces will be on display from the 31st October – 11th November at Christie’s King Street gallery and will then be part of an online auction from 22nd November

Royal Academy Schools Announce New Project: Fashion Art Commissions

The BFC Fashion Arts Foundation and the Royal Academy Schools are committed to encouraging and nurturing future talent. A new commissioning project will bring together fashion designers and visual artists to collaborate across art forms. The project is called Fashion Art Commissions and will pair graduates from the RA Schools with Newgen and Newgen Men designers. The commission will produce artworks that will form part of an auction at Christie’s. The pieces will be on display from the 31st October – 11th November at Christie’s King Street gallery and will then be part of an online auction from 22nd November

AA2A Project (Artists Access to Art Colleges) 2020

AA2A Digital This year, in response to the current environment, AA2A are launching 'AA2A Digital', a fully digital version of the AA2A scheme. The package includes a programme of artist seminars, professional web profiles for students, a series of self-employment talk videos and tailored information pack, all designed to support students to help them develop a career as a creative practitioner. As last years' placements were cut short, AA2A will not be recruiting new artists in 2020.   Full student employability support package - £1,400 Watch our 4 minute video   Self-employment support Self-employment presentations  - 3 x 40 min videos

New Studio 'The Smiddy' to Launch with a Project that Celebrates Local Crafts People

Vanilla Ink’s is throwing open its doors for its first expansion in beautiful Banff. The brand new, recently renovated The Smiddy: Centre of Excellence for Silversmithing & Jewellery, will open to the public on September 22nd – and for their first project and exhibition, they want to hear from you! The Royal Borough of Banff is richly steeped in silversmithing heritage, with locally made silver fetching great interest and fantastic prices at auctions. Vanilla Ink mean to revive that history, firmly returning local craft to the global silversmithing map. This is where you come in; to help the revive tradition,

Weston Beamor Announce Winner of BCU Live Project 2018

Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery student Kai-Blu Triassi has won the annual Weston Beamor  Live Project  with his contemporary geometric ‘Dyad’ engagement and wedding ring set design. Kai-Blu’s award was announced on the WB stand at this year’s Jewellery & Watch show. Kai-Blu impressed judges with his striking and bold ring set, commercial-focus, unique design and understanding of thickness and tolerances, demonstrated through his strong CAD modelling skills. The annual competition is open to all BCU SoJ students in their second year of a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery Manufacturing. Commenting on his win, Kai-Blu said,  "I'm really pleased to

Benchpeg Guest Judges for Vanilla Ink's Project C/O/N/N/E/C/T

Vanilla Ink, Scotland’s unique jewellery school, have been keeping jewellers sane in lockdown with a series of weekly projects. Fuelled by their commitment to staying connected and a deep passion for making, Scott and the team at Vanilla Ink have taken their skills online to help keep the jewellery community entertained and engaged. This week, Benchpeg was delighted to judge the design of the week as part of their project C/O/N/N/E/C/T. Project C/O/N/N/E/C/T sits in a trifecta of online offerings, including ‘Big Answers With Scott (BAWS)’, a weekly topic-led Q&A session with Scott himself, and ‘INKapacitated Sessions’, a weekly Facebook

Jewelley brand STÖÖKI has collaborated with FLAARE for socially focused project

FLAARE and STÖÖKI are proud to share the story of a unique partnership. This brand collab meets student work experience has been a hit over the past 12-weeks resulting in the t-shirt collection you see here! Kicking off with vision-boarding at Thames Side Studios, the young entrepreneurs (students at Haringey Learning Partnership) collaborated with Hackney born fashion brand STÖÖKI to co-design, brand, and print a collection of limited edition FLAARE x STÖÖKI t-shirts. They have modelled in two awesome photo shoots at Thames Side Studios and Alexandra Palace and been interviewed by STÖÖKI’s camera team for social media content, gaining

Catapult Project’ propels Weston Beamor into a new era of casting

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham Casting house, 3D printing and bespoke m anufacturing  company  has recently been engaged in a Government funded  High Value Manufacturing  Catapult  initiative. It has been   working closely with academics at a well-known Midland  University  to m ove its casting processes  forward for the next decade.  The company has invested heavily in new casting equipment, which is parti cularly ideal for platinum  and palladium casting, and has worked closely with university staff to fi nd  the best possible methods  of dealing with the nuances of the lost wax casting process using synth etic casting resins developed 

Blooming a Labour of Love: Weston Beamor Proud to be Part of Somme Poppy Pins project

The casting, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company Weston Beamor has recently confirmed its involvement in an interesting new project casting Poppy Pins designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in 1916; some examples of which will be on display on their stand (No D60) at International Jewellery London. The special poppies are being cast by Weston Beamor for the London-based company TMB Art Metal (www.TMBArtMetal.com) as a fund raising initiative for the Royal British Legion. They are sold exclusively online through the ‘Poppy Shop’ on the RBL’s website www.britishlegion.org.uk  with the proceeds of all

Positano Collection: The Allure Of The Amalfi Coast

Icon of Parisian creativity and cosmopolitan getaways, Maison Aurélie Bidermann is showcasing its POSITANO collection in celebration of the enchanting charm of the Amalfi Coast. Since 2004, the Maison has been delighting jewellery lovers with its dreamy, elegant creations, and this collection is no exception.   The sleek and stylish POSITANO collection offers a range of bangles, small and large hoop earrings, and necklaces inspired by the torques of antiquity. Each carefully crafted bakelite and gilded in 18K (750/1000) gold piece subtly captures the light, evoking the luscious floral colours typical of the Amalfi Coast. This collection makes a real feminine

Isabella Liu previews her new ethical collection Twilight at the Zaha Hadid Gallery

Isabella, who has been named as both Influencer and Ambassador for the China Britain International Design Week and the British Council in Asia for 2018, has been invited to preview her new ethical jewellery collection Twilight at the Abstract Expressions exhibition at the Zaha Hadid Gallery The Twilight Collection is a celebration of Love, encapsulating the beauty and energy of the Goddess of the Moon. The Moon and its many phases, often believed to symbolise the female form and the cycle of life, have inspired Isabella to create pieces which tell the tale of life - the crescent is youth

Discover Jessica Pass’ ‘Curios’ collection- a swarm of beauty

Jessica Pass’ ‘Curios’ collection is a striking feat in style and design. A homage to the Curio and the cabinets that contain them, Pass’ own glass cabinets are a-flutter with beautiful gilded insects, frozen in tableau at each stage of flight like an ornate flip-book. The magnificent pieces are beautiful in their own right, yet, each piece is hinged to reveal an inner cubby. As is the case with the standout ‘Cicada Neck Piece’; This contemporary locket opens to reveal a stunning golden beryl in the clutches of a miniature figure whose limbs serve as the stone setting. The veins

Hugo Madureira’s Calypso Ring

Hugo Madureira’s Calypso Ring, featured on the September issues of Vogue’s cover, is made of 18K white gold, reconstructed coral, snowflake obsidian and diamonds. Part of the Kastellorizo Collection, it draws inspiration from Ancient Greek mythology -  Calypso - the goddess-nymph of the mythical island of Ogygia, promised Odysseus eternal youth and immortality in return of love. Hugo was born in Porto in 1982. He studied product design, jewellery making and visual arts in Portugal and Finland. He moved to London in 2012 where he honed his skills in the jewellery sector, creating pieces for European jewellery brands. The launch

Read our Lips: Aisha Baker’s Follow up Collection will get People ‘Talkin’ Talk’

Jewellery brand Aisha Baker, which launched in 2017 turned heads with its fairy-tale themed wearable art jewellery. Worn by the likes of Ellie Goulding, the ‘Mirror, Mirror’ collection dealt with fairy tales through a rainbow of technicolour. The elaborate masterpieces were a love-letter to the stories we heard in our youth, of princesses, castles in the sky and love at first sight.  “Once upon a time, we were told that fairy tales were real. That wardrobes were portals and at the end of a long sleep, someone charming and handsome would be there to save us. With nothing but our

Lookbook Style: Alinka Fine Jewellery

Introducing ALINKA, a new contemporary bijou star within Australia’s fine jewellery sphere. Conceived by St. Petersburg born, Sydney-based designer Alina Barlow, ALINKA combines a youthful modernity with the story-telling traditions of her native Russia. Barlow’s flair for jewellery design began in her youth when she would tinker with coloured wire to create bracelets and rings to swap with friends. Five years ago, Barlow reawakened that passion and began designing one-of-a-kind pieces for private clients. This led to the founding of ALINKA in 2014, and her debut collection ‘The Winter Palace’, inspired by St. Petersburg’s rich history and the Kremlin’s pentagonal

Residency: Glass Artist, Creative Collisions

We are looking for a highly skilled glass artist to become the sixth of six crafts people in residence at Time and Tide Museum as part of our Crafting History programme. Crafting History is a Heritage Lottery Fund, Young Roots programme. What is Crafting History? Young People from Creative Collisions Youth Arts network are working work with Norfolk Museums and Norfolk Arts & Library Services and to set up and manage six, twelve week, craft residencies at Time & Tide Museum. Young People have identified key craft skills that have contributed significantly to the heritage of Great Yarmouth and which

Student takes inspiration from lillies to win Alba Rose design competition

British Academy of Jewellery student Olivia Thurlwell took the Calla lilly as her inspiration for the design of a new bridal collection to win the BAJ's Final Project Design competition backed by Alba Rose. The talented final year student was praised by judges for her designs, which were part of a project to design, develop and create a unique bridal collection which appealed to Alba Rose's target audience. Every Level 3 DJP features a live final project where the students are asked to work to a professional brief. The main objective of the project was to design pieces that can

The Creative Business

‘The Creative Business’ is a collaborative research project setup by artist and creative producer Antonia Beck, and Dr Jacob Salder (Centre for Enterprise, Innovation and Growth, Birmingham City University). This project will look to better understand business practice in the creative sector, specifically focusing on arts / performance-based creative industries. The objective of the project is to support and examine development for arts-based businesses, in particular how this relates to and can be informed by more mainstream approaches. It is expected this project will contribute toward enhancing understanding of the development needs of arts-based creative industries, and through this inform

KnivesOut: Crafting a Safer Birmingham Launch Crowdfunding Campaign

This multi-disciplinary project seeks new and innovative routes to tackling the issue of knife-crime in local envronments, using a unique programme of social intervention. The project is a partnership between established community activists, a collaborative practice, brought together as “Knives Out” by Swords Into Ploughshares CIC working with experienced staff from Round Midnight Theatre, Street Doctors, TAS Mentoring and Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery. At the core of the project is an innovative approach which uses participant-led craftivist practices to challenge thinking around ‘road life’, gang membership and, specifically, knife-crime. Working with schools in the Jewellery Quarter and Soho

Knives into Jewels: Crafting a Safer Birmingham

A leading artist, activist and academic is using jewellery as a vehicle for social intervention as he launches a special project aimed at tackling knife crime among young people in Birmingham. The ‘ Swords into Ploughshares: Knives into Jewels’ project had been co-developed by Dauvit Alexander, Senior Lecturer in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Jewellery and former head of School Professor Norman Cherry. This collaborative project will take jewellery into schools in Areas of Multiple Deprivation (AMDs) bringing together drama, virtual reality, crafting, intensive mentoring, and first-aid training to encourage 14 to 16-year-olds to think

Make: Shift:Do, Crafts Council

Call for Partners: Make: Shift:Do, Crafts Council A celebration of craft innovation, Make:Shift:Do offers communities, families, children, and young people hands-on experiences of emerging craft technologies, new materials and digital making. Seeking three new partner organisations to deliver co-creation action research projects focussing on craft innovation in 2019/20. Crafts Council will offer successful partner organisations £2000 towards the delivery costs of their project, and provide support and feedback throughout the delivery of the project. Partner organisations will work with us to produce a case study describing the journey of their project, and sharing key successes and challenges. More details at

Fiona Rourke presents Reflect, Refract, React at Blinkered

Fiona Rourke presents Reflect, Refract, React at Blinkered Recent Crafts Council Hothouse 2017 participant Fiona Rourke presents her ongoing solo project Reflect, refract, react as part of the alternative jewellery catwalk show Blinkered at Grand Entrance Hall, Brunel Museum during London Fashion Week. About the Project Reflect, refract, react is a project that strikes out from the static norm by subverting the function of mirrors; applying them to the body rather than using them as a way to view the body. Mirrors are culturally synonymous with self-awareness, providing a unique virtual stage in which we play the part of the

Textile Commission and Residency

Textile Commission and Residency Walford Mill Crafts ‘Unravelling Threads of Narrative’, Unlocking the Bankes Archive Project This residency’s aim is for a craftsperson to work with the team at Dorset History Centre, staff at Kingston Lacy in Wimborne and the team at Walford Mill Crafts to develop work in response to the Bankes Archive. 'Unlocking the Bankes Archive' the Unravelling Threads of Narrative Project' is a Textile Commission residency working from the Bankes Archive at the Dorset History Centre, Dorchester. For More Information For full details about the project please see our website at www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk or email christine@walfordmillcrafts.co.uk Details www.walfordmillcrafts.co.uk

Jewellery runs Adagio

Adagio is an artistic project about time writes Ilaria Ruggiero in her exhibition review. As photography teaches us, an image is the pure settling for rhythm, the sense of time descending into vision. This is a delicate project that deals with light and movement through the diverse artistic forms of photography and jewellery. A minimalist and conceptual work that is reflected in the dual aesthetic soul of the image and the jewel: both evanescent yet present, stylized and essential. Letizia Maggio's technical and artistic research evolves into a sophisticated and complex narration, which mixes materials such as cotton, silver and

Public Art Commission, Mill Road, Cambridge

Expressions of interest are invited from artists with experience of working in the public realm to develop a site-specific artwork, or series of artworks. The artwork should enhance the setting for the new student accommodation and reference the unique heritage and context of Mill Road, Cambridge.  There is a vibrant cultural and business scene within Mill Road and engagement with the community and students at Anglia Ruskin University throughout the development process is a requirement. The Brief: www.placeservices.co.uk Budget for the Project: £46,000. Project Completion Date: February 2018 For more information and to download a copy of the brief please

‘Wearable Memories: Stones of the Grassland’

‘Wearable Memories: Stones of the Grassland’ Martin Hall Gallery,  Loughborough College 12pm-2pm, weekdays only from 26 September - 11 October 2024 PhD researcher Zihan Zhou presents jewellery and research work from her doctoral project within the exhibition ‘Wearable Memories: Stones of the Grassland’. The exhibition will be open in Martin Hall Gallery from 12pm-2pm, weekdays only from 26 September until 11 October.   There will be an opening and preview event on Thursday 26 September, 4pm-6pm. This event is open to all and no booking is required. This exhibition is part of Zihan's ongoing practice-based doctoral project, 'Wearable Memories: Contemporary

PGI China Win the China International Business Awards 2022 for Its Culture of Innovation

In 2019, Platinum Guild International (PGI® ® ) initiated Project Reboot, a programme that aims to capture more younger consumers into platinum’s market share in jewellery. The success of this programme led to PGI being awarded the China International Business Awards 2022 for the Non-Profit Organisation category. The China International Business Awards is organised by Asian Business Review to   honour notable achievements of outstanding international firms in China, particularly achievements anchored by innovative business strategies that adapt to changing business landscapes.  In 2019, Platinum Guild International (PGI®) initiated Project Reboot, a programme that aims to capture more younger consumers

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

Artist / Creative Practitioner in Residence

Artist / Creative Practitioner in Residence: Ilfracombe Museum Ilfracombe Museum is seeking an Artist / Creative Practitioner-in-residence to deliver the creative elements of its Art Fund Respond and Reimagine  Stay Curious project.  The total fee shall not exceed £7,000 and is inclusive of all fees and expenses, including materials and travel. The contract is awarded by Ilfracombe Museum Trust CIO for approximately five months between February and June 2021. The Creative Practitioner will work as part of the team including the Museum Manager, Creative Producer, Stay Curious Evaluator, Education Officer and project volunteers to deliver key creative outputs to enable

Crafting Business 2021

Call for Applications: Crafting Business 2021 Our new creative business development programme for emerging makers (between 1 – 4 years in business). Have you got a business idea you need support with? Do you need help with navigating the complexities of managing your finances? This programme is here to help you. Crafting Business is part of a Creative European funded project to provide business training skills to makers across Europe. Eight countries (including the UK) will be delivering their own respective training programmes in 2021 supporting up to 200 makers. To hear more about this project, follow  this link  to

Crafting Business Seminar

Crafting EuropeSeminar - Crafts Council The project partners of the Creative Europe project ‘Crafting Europe’, are delighted to announce our first ‘Crafting Business Seminar’. Crafting Business is a professional practice training programme that was organised and delivered in 2020. This programme aimed to share expertise and knowledge to support the business development of newcomers to the industry in nine European countries including the UK.  Join us on the 22nd and 23rd February 2021, 10am-12.50pm (GMT/Ireland/UK/Portugal) to find out more about the Crafting Business programme and to hear from the participants and tutors involved about their experiences.     Please  follow this

Former George Ward School Site, Melksham

Public Art Commissions: Former George Ward School Site, Melksham Persimmon Homes are seeking expressions of interest for two linked commissions in a residential development at the former George Ward School site in Melksham. The commissions will deliver a suite of functional artworks including seating and waymarking in Public Open Space and Green Corridors across the site. Artist Fee The budget for the commissions is £34,000 and £20,000 There is also a commission for a bursary artist to the value of £2,500 (may suit a local and/or emerging Artist) to lead creative engagement on the project. Project Details More details in

Final day before Wright and Teague close their doors for 9 months

Iconic duo, Wright and Teague, close their doors for nine months tomorrow to embark on their next enigmatic project. Today is the last day customers can make orders via the Wright and Teague eBoutique or browse and purchase from the London store.  Iconic duo, Wright and Teague, close their doors for nine months tomorrow to embark on their next enigmatic project. Today is the last day customers can make orders via the Wright and Teague eBoutique or browse and purchase from the London store. It's not too late to snap up a piece before the short hiatus.  The pair met

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Call for Applications: Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowships for artists/makers and arts in the built environment The Winston Churchill Trust awards travelling fellowships includes an artists and makers award category and is currently open for applications. If you are inspired by the work of overseas designers, have a project in mind to support craft skills or want to work with overseas craft people/designers and have a project in mind to advance practices in the UK design sector, find out more on the Trust’s website. A new category of Churchill Fellowship has been set up to fund travel that will

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel 7:00pm – 8:15pm, Thursday 10 October 2019 National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Silversmith Simone ten Hompel discusses her commission from National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company to create a new piece of contemporary metal artwork inspired by the museum’s early medieval collections. About the Commission As part of the Creating Scotland project, National Museums Scotland and Glenmorangie have commissioned a major new piece of contemporary metalwork for display in the National Museum of Scotland. The current phase of the Glenmorangie Project, Creating Scotland, sees the research focus on the 9th to 12th centuries,

Daiwa Foundation Small Grants 2018

Daiwa Foundation Small Grants Grants of £2,000-£7,000 are available to individuals, societies, associations or other bodies in the UK or Japan to promote and support interaction between the two countries. In order to fund as many applications as we possibly can, given our limited budget, we typically award £3,000 to successful Small Grant applications. Our funding rarely covers an application’s budget in full, but is meant to be a “contribution” to the proposed project. What kind of project is eligible? Daiwa Foundation Small Grants can cover all fields of activity, including educational and grassroots exchanges, research travel, the organisation of conferences, exhibitions, and

A Ring Is A Ring Is A Ring

BAJ, Alchimia and Hocheschule Trier Students showcase results of year long collaborative project in exhibition during London Design Festival. The exhibition titled "A Ring Is A Ring Is A Ring" is the result of a yearlong project between 3 European jewellery schools. Students from the hosting institution, the British Academy of Jewellery based in London; the Department of Gemstone and Jewellery of the Hochschule Trier located in Idar Oberstein, Germany and Alchimia School of Contemporary Jewellery based in Florence, Italy, will be displaying their work during the London Design Festival. As a focal point, the students took inspiration from the

The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter Opens

The  V&A  Exhibition Road Quarter has opened to the public creating a beautiful and unique new civic space for London, and a world-class gallery space for the V&A’s internationally acclaimed exhibition programme. The project is designed by Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda  Levete  and her practice, AL_A.    The launch of the  V&A  Exhibition Road Quarter marks the beginning of a new era for the Museum, as it prepares to expand its UK and international presence. The project is the Museum’s largest architectural intervention in over 100 years and offers a 21st Century interpretation of the V&A’s founding principles - to

Make Your Futures - Makers Call

Call for Makers: Make Your Future The Crafts Council is looking for craft makers to plan and deliver workshops for our flagship craft education programme,  Make Your Future . Make Your Future is a hands-on programme that connects traditional craft with digital technologies. The project brings together Higher Education Institutions, cultural partners, secondary schools, and makers to reignite a passion for making in schools and shine a light on craft as a cross-curricular bridge between science, technology, and creative subjects.  In the project's first year: Birmingham schools have worked with Birmingham City University's World Class School of Jewellery to explore techniques

Commission for site-specific social seating

Public Art Commission - Site Specific Social Seating ‘a space’ arts are now inviting Expressions of Interest, from visual artists with a socially engaged practice, to work as part of a project team to design and produce a new work of public art. A prominent outdoor area has been set aside, at the former Ford Factory, on Wide Lane, Southampton, which is becoming home to a new logistics park, and we are looking for an artist to assist the development of ‘site-specific social seating’. To Express Your Interest To express your interest in the project: Please thoroughly read through the

Daiwa Foundation Small Grants 2017

Grants of £2,000-£7,000 are available to individuals, societies, associations or other bodies in the UK or Japan to promote and support interaction between the two countries. In order to fund as many applications as we possibly can, given our limited budget, we typically award £3,000 to successful Small Grant applications. Our funding rarely covers an application’s budget in full, but is meant to be a “contribution” to the proposed project. What kind of project is eligible? Daiwa Foundation Small Grants can cover all fields of activity, including educational and grassroots exchanges, research travel, the organisation of conferences, exhibitions, and other projects and events

Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Orchard Art Commission

Whitchurch & Hengrove Community Orchard Art Commission, Bristol, Bristol City Council The Whitchurch and Hengrove Community Orchard is a public art project by UK artist David Thorpe. The work is located in Hengrove, South Bristol and was commissioned as part of the Future Perfect public art programme curated by Jes Fernie and Theresa Bergne. Bristol City Council is offering a commission through open call for an artist, artist group or consortium to develop a public project / event for summer 2017 which shall be presented in the public realm in Hengrove, South Bristol. About the Commission At this stage we

Philomène Hoël: Keep It Longer

  Philomène Hoël: Keep It Longer Curated by Valentina Bin and Simina Neagu Philomène Hoël’s Keep It Longer is a site-specific project which will occupy Gallery S O’s two spaces for two weeks with two shows. This will include two screens, two curators and two texts.  One title: Keep It Longer. The artist will work across the gallery’s project space, which will host an immersive installation, and select a contemporary jewellery and object display in the front space. Philomène Hoël works with film and performance to activate the cinematic dimension of a space and set up intimate scenarios of crisis.

Artist Residency Opportunity - Yeovil Country Park, Somerset Art Works

Artist Residency Opportunity - Yeovil Country Park, Somerset Art Works Water – Meadow – Wood Somerset Art Works is delivering a three year artist residency programme at Yeovil Country Park following the themes of Water – Meadow – Wood. This three-year project is providing greater engagement with people and new opportunities to interpret the natural, cultural and historical heritage of Yeovil Country Park. The theme for 2017 and the final year of the project is ‘Wood’ the woodland as a place and as a habitat, providing inspiration for creative exploration. The artist appointed will deliver 15 participatory sessions through the

£10,000 Commission Opportunity

£10,000 Commission Opportunity: A New Creative Schools Project, artsdepot artsdepot is looking for artistic collaborators to work with us to devise, create and deliver an exciting and imaginative workshop programme for five schools in the London Borough of Barnet (two Primary, two Secondary, one SEN). The workshop programme will culminate in a presentation for the public to engage with and enjoy in the Apthorp Gallery at artsdepot in December 2017. We are interested in hearing from artists and companies from all disciplines and backgrounds, with exciting proposals for a project to inspire our local schools and community. You could be

News Edit: 16 January 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Edinburgh's Flourish Jewellery Project to host exhibition at Leith's Custom House from January 22 to 25 Edinburgh News: A community project which helps women recovering from trauma learn the skill of jewellery making is hosting a new exhibition later this month. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com Lacloche: L’École School of Jewelry Arts Showcases a Forgotten Master of Jewels in Latest Exhibition Prestigue Online: L’École School of Jewelry Arts shines a spotlight on Lacloche, once one of Paris’ most revered jewellers before its demise in the 1960s. www.prestigeonline.com A Talking-Point Necklace Should Be

Manufacturing Growth Programme

Manufacturing Growth Programme Grants and free guidance are available to help SME manufacturing businesses through the Manufacturing Growth Programme. Sign up to: gain support from dedicated manufacturing growth managers complete a comprehensive business diagnostic tool and identify opportunities to create plans for growth and improvement The Manufacturing Growth Programme is supported by a professional, friendly Project Support Team that engage with SME Manufacturers regularly to support their business improvement projects. To get in touch, email  enquiries@oxin.co.uk www.manufacturinggrowthprogramme.co.uk

3D Visualisation Artist - Freelance, The Living City / They Eat Culture

3D Visualisation Artist - Freelance, The Living City / They Eat Culture We are looking for a freelance visualisation artist to work with us on some programme and project development images. You'll need prior experience of translating concepts to visual images and be able to work with 3d design. This is a freelance post working remotely. Please send brief introduction to your work, with your CV / visual portfolio to ruth@theyeatculture.org

Sandhurst Block Facade Commission

Sandhurst Block Facade Commission Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company are building a vibrant and rich town on the former Army barracks at Bordon. A key phase of the transformational project is now beginning with the development of the heart and focal point of the community – the new town centre. Regeneration of the Sandhurst Block is the last phase of the town centre development and will start in approximately 3 years, when some of the building will be demolished but a significant element of the building – the ‘H’ block at its heart – will remain as it is. This

Jeweller raises funds for Covid-19 Memorial Garden

After learning of the recent campaign in The Glasgow Herald to construct a memorial garden to commemorate those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 in Scotland, Caitlin Hegney was inspired to get involved and fundraise for the project.  The jeweller was particularly moved by the proposal for the creation of a memorial garden in Pollock Country Park, having worked in Geilston Garden herself, recognising the profound effect that such an outdoor space can have on an individuals’ wellbeing and mental health.  Hegney believes that it is essential to have a dedicated tranquil place that people can go to, where

Artistar Jewels 2019

Call for Applications: Artistar Jewels 2019 The protagonists of the international contemporary jewelry will shine in a week entirely dedicated to the Jewelry world, the Milano Jewelry Week. The call for entries for the seventh edition of Artistar Jewels is officially open. Artistar Jewels is an international project dedicated to the international contemporary jewelry. The event will take place for the first time from 24th to 27th October 2019 during the Milano Jewelry Week, a new week of the Milanese schedule entirely dedicated to the world of jewelry. The city will be surrounded by a unique artistic flair, welcoming the

Call for Applications: Industrial Design Awards

Call for Applications: Industart  - Industrial Design Awards The acceptance of works for the industrial design awards Industart has started! It is the first awards offering the opportunity to win mass production of your idea! INDUSTART is the only awards in the world whose prominent jury will impartially and adequately determine the value of your even unrealized project-concept in the terms of both the art of design and the industrial potential of the objects! INDUSTART is an integrated approach that allows step-by-step and on a large-scale to motivate and to streamline Ukrainian design environment as a part of the world design

Jerwood Visual Arts Artist Bursaries

Jerwood Visual Arts Artist Bursaries Visual artists within 10 years of graduating or establishing their practice are invited to apply for a bursary of £1,000 for the development of their practice. This could be for the costs of making new work or exploring a new collaboration, mentoring, professional or skills based training, travel or a combination of these. There are 12 bursaries available and there is no application fee.  Now in its second year, the project aims to encourage experimentation and crucially to provide an opportunity for artists to define and determine their own development needs. Through these bursaries we

Creative Fellow, The Workhouse

The Creative Fellowship scheme is an annual programme of residencies with The National Trust at The Workhouse, Southwell. The scheme is intended to support the production of new creative work, in collaboration with researchers, responding to this fascinating site and engaging audiences in its history through creative means. About The Workhouse From its foundation, the workhouse system cared for those in need. It was a homeless shelter, a children’s home, a care home, a hospital, a school and a job centre; the Welfare State in embryonic form. Today we see the inheritance of this system all around us. The Project

Designers in Residence 2017

Designers in Residence 2017 Applications are now open for the 2017 Designer in Residence programme. This is an exciting opportunity to be one of the first designers to work in the designated studio situated within the new Design Museum in Kensington. More information This residency accommodates four designers to work independently on a project in response to a theme. Designers from different disciplines are selected and work autonomously as well as come together to exchange and share skills and ideas. Visitors are invited to engage in the process on display and to interact with the designers to gain an in

News Edit: 30 October 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Federal Govt And MinDiver Train More Nigerians In Jewellery Production For Value Addition, Job Creation Leadership: Nigeria’s natural minerals have always attracted low prices due to the failure to process them into finished products. SILAS EZEUGWU reports that the federal government, through the MinDiver Project, is taking steps to reverse this trend by graduating the second batch of young Nigerians trained in the craft of jewellery making. leadership.ng “I’m still googling how to run a business”: How Nikki Kelly took her jewellery label to $2.5 million turnover Smart

Slovenian Jewellery Week 2023

Call for Participation: Slovenian Jewellery Week 2023 SLOVENSKI TEDEN NAKITA 2023 11— 19 May 2023 The SIJW project is primarily intended to present contemporary jewelry design to the public. They will be able to learn more about the products and designers who create contemporary jewelry throughout Slovenia. Guests from abroad will also join them. This is currently the only event in our country that is specifically aimed at promoting contemporary jewelry design and its creators. Contemporary jewelry is a self-reflexive practice, which means that we creators are engaged in thinking about ourselves and the conditions in which we carry out

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from fundamentals of jewellery design such as

Slovenian Jewellery Week 2023

Slovenian Jewellery Week 2023 SLOVENSKI TEDEN NAKITA 2023 11— 19 May 2023 The SIJW project is primarily intended to present contemporary jewelry design to the public. They will be able to learn more about the products and designers who create contemporary jewelry throughout Slovenia. Guests from abroad will also join them. This is currently the only event in our country that is specifically aimed at promoting contemporary jewelry design and its creators. Contemporary jewelry is a self-reflexive practice, which means that we creators are engaged in thinking about ourselves and the conditions in which we carry out this practice. Contemporary

20 Years in the Making

20 Years in the Making 27 April - 22 June 2024 Part of Craft Festival’s 20-year celebration Amazingly, Craft Festival has been going for 20 years. What started as a small project with 2000 visitors in Bovey Tracey has grown into the fantastic, diverse and vibrant event it now is, shaping the town where it started into the ‘Capital of Craft’, spreading the word to Cheltenham, Cardiff and online, and perhaps even transforming our views of making to appreciate the handmade that little bit more. In recognition of this, Sarah James, Director of Craft Festival and Find a Maker, was

BAFTA Winner Joanna Scanlan wears Ute Decker Jewellery at pre-show event

BAFTA Winner for Best Actress Joanna Scanlan wore Ute Decker to a high profile pre-show BAFTA party for nominees. Joanna Scanlan won a BAFTA for Leading Actress for her film After Love with nominees that included Lady Gaga and Alana Haim. The opportinity was brought about by industry vetran Karin Paynter. "I had previously worked with Joanna through our ERA5050 female writers mentoring project, TellHerVision during the pandemic and we discussed her wearing some of our makers work for the pre launch party and this was the result." said Karin. After brain storming with Harriet Scott of the Goldsmiths' Company

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from fundamentals of jewellery design such as practical

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation

Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation by Louise Seijen ten Hoorn A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from fundamentals of jewellery design such as practical

BCU Design students showcase bespoke ensembles at opera event

Students from Birmingham City University (BCU)’s Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles showcased their costume and jewellery design skills at a special Voice of Black Opera (VOBO) event last week, creating bespoke ensembles worn by the project’s finalists. The VOBO project aims to promote the Commonwealth’s finest Black and South Asian singers as they launch international operatic careers, the finals took place at a Gala ceremony at Birmingham Town Hall. Competing were five finalists, each wearing bespoke concert outfits and coordinating jewellery pieces researched and designed by BCU Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles students, in collaboration with the Black British Classical

Milano Jewelery Tour 2023

Milano Jewelery Tour is the official partner of the first edition of Contemporania 28-30 September 2023 Royal Palace of Pedralbes, Barcelona 28 to 30 September 2023 Milano Jewellery Tour, a project to enhance the communication of jewelry founded by Eugenia Gadaleta, is the official partner of the first edition of Contemporania High Craftsmanship Barcelona. The event, conceived by Paulo Ribeiro and organized by Le Departément Interiors SL and Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda de Catalunya, will be hosted by the Royal Palace of Pedralbes in Barcelona from 28 to 30 September 2023, and will exhibit the best of high craftsmanship. The event was

Benchpeg's Bookshelf Book List

We all enjoy a good read. Our bookshelf has been hand-picked. Design for Jewellery Makers: Inspiration, development and creation A clear, comprehensive and practical 'how-to' guide and resource for all aspects of designing jewellery.  This book contains expert guidance on design and the design process, and includes step-by-step project briefs and themes for readers to use as a basis for developing their own ideas. It is suitable for all intermediate and professional jewellery makers, as well as those attending jewellery-making courses and who have taken up jewellery making as a hobby.  The book explores the design process in depth, from

The Goldsmiths’ Centre collaborates with London Museum to Showcase Emerging Jewellery Designers

London Museum is showcasing UK handmade jewellery by emerging designer-makers in an exciting collaboration with the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This joint retail project, piloted by the Goldsmiths’ Centre on behalf of the Goldsmiths' Company and Charity, will be available at London Museum Docklands, showcasing pieces that connect to the rich history of London, the River Thames, and stories of trade and migration told in the museum’s galleries. London Museum’s latest showcase features five jewellers and silversmiths whose designs blend history, technology, and culture with sustainable materials and modern techniques.  Xinyi Chen, Suzanne Seed, Cara Lowe, Jo Boateng, and Caitlin Murphy present

Artist Commission, Lakeland Arts

Artist Commission, Lakeland Arts Are you a creative practitioner or artist living in, working in or from Cumbria? We need you to explore the themes of class and Covid in Cumbria as part of our Winter 2021 programming at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. In partnership with The Currell Collection, Class, Covid and Cumbria (22 October 2021–27 February 2022) brings together important work by Grayson Perry, photography by local legend Joseph Hardman, and works by community groups through the Lakeland Arts MEND project, to explore Cumbrian experiences of the pandemic. This dynamic programme of displays, events and community

{Queer} + {Metals}

{Queer} + {Metals} 12 November 2022 - 2 April 2023 Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham The transformative power of ‘queerness’ and metal connect in an international exhibition and digital project. {Queer} + {Metals} is a Craftspace exhibition co-curated by its Director Deirdre Figueiredo and Dauvit Alexander artist and tutor at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery in collaboration with artist Rebekah Frank. The exhibition, which opens on the 12 November at Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham, uses the lens of metalworking to explore the multiplicity of queerness – whether as identity, lived experiences, thinking, cultures, aesthetic, influences, stories, place, and imagination –

Dimexon Transitions To Solar Power At Coimbatore Factory

Diamond manufacturer Dimexon has transitioned to solar power at its manufacturing site in Coimbatore, southern India, reducing its reliance on the national grid by 75%. This will equate to an annual saving of ~1,400 tCO2e, which is equivalent of taking 333 cars off the road for a year. The solar power project is part of Dimexon’s wider ESG commitments, which include its pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030. The Coimbatore site is responsible for 85% of the global company’s total carbon emissions. To further reduce its emissions at Coimbatore, Dimexon swapped out diesel vehicles for electric vehicles in 2023.

‘Connecting Values: Exploring Co-Creation Through Making’ Exhibition

‘Connecting Values: Exploring Co-Creation Through Making’ Exhibition 17 May - 4 June 2021 Swiss Cottage Gallery, London In 2019 K2 Academy was invited to participate in Camden Alive Project , a programme of arts and cultural events that celebrates the people of Camden and captures the sights, sounds and spirit of the borough. K2’s founders and directors, Katrin Spranger and Kelvin Birk , were commissioned to develop their own art projects with Camden residents and K2 students based on their stories and chosen theme of ‘value’. This cultural exchange culminated in creating an electroformed fountain and crushed-stone neckpiece which were

Data Entrepreneurs and Artists Offered Residencies at 18th-Century Mansion

Call for Applications: Marchmont House Residency Borders-based tech entrepreneur forms partnerships to support creativity in arts and enterprise in Marchmont’s Creative Spaces A residency in a beautiful studio at Marchmont House and £12,000 in funding is on offer to support an entrepreneur to develop a project using data within the creative industries. It is one of several residencies being offered at the restored 1750 Palladian mansion in Berwickshire which is in the process of creating a suite of Creative Spaces – high quality studios and workshops. Marchmont House has also teamed up with Berwick Creative Guild, the newly established Marchmont Makers

Lead Artist: Makers and Movers, Craftspace

Lead Artist: Makers and Movers, Craftspace We are looking to recruit a shadow artist (any artform but interested in early years), aged 18-25 and living in Birmingham or West Midlands, to support the planning and delivery of creative workshops and making kits for families. Makers and Movers is a craft and movement project for early years children (aged 0-5 years) and their families. Delivered by dance and craft artists working collaboratively, live sessions will use open-ended play to address areas of early year’s development that have been affected by lockdown, aiming to: rebuild physical strength and skills, nurture relationships and develop

Studio Vacancy, Making Space - Havant, Hampshire

Studio Vacancy, Making Space Making Space has a vacancy in one of our seven individual studio spaces. Professional artists and makers looking to develop their practice and/or business can apply to rent a studio for an initial two years. As well as having a professional space to think and make, they have access to the knowledge and networks of staff, trustees and freelancers, as well as opportunities to earn income from teaching, project work, sales and commissions. Our studios are approximately 16 square metres, with 24/7 access, parking, heating, lighting, water, and internet/phone points. Prices range from £176 each (with

Wayfinding and Interpretation Brief, Exeter Community Centre Trust

Wayfinding and Interpretation Brief, Exeter Community Centre Trust Invitation to tender: Key elements of the project are to: a)    Provide interpretation of Exeter Community Centre, a large, brick building – a former Victorian Institute for the Blind - and its surrounding St David’s neighbourhood in Exeter, with maps and hotspots so that visitors to the Centre and the local community can understand and value its rich heritage b)    Design materials to promote the route and key features of a St David’s Trail around the local St David’s neighbourhood c)    Design and provide signage outside and inside the 4 floors of

50 Years of Irish Craft Nominations

Nominate your #IrishCraftHero National Design & Craft Gallery (NDCG) are inviting nominations of makers who have significantly impacted craft in Ireland, for a new touring exhibition reflecting on the evolution of craft and design in Ireland from 1971 – 2021. The project marks 50 years of Irish craft practice to coincide with Design & Crafts Council Ireland celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Having been formed 1971 as Crafts Council, the organisation has led the development of sector for five decades, nurturing the growth of craft business in Ireland and creating opportunities to support makers expand internationally. NDCG is producing this major

NAJ, CMJ and Goldsmiths’ Company syndicate funds key research on jewellery consumers

NAJ’s Consumer Focus steering group will this month launch a survey to understand why people buy - and do not buy - jewellery. The group’s mission is to stimulate demand for the industry, with the end goal of a joined-up industry campaign to inspire more consumers to buy more jewellery, more often. Adam Jacobs, of Jacobs the Jewellers in Reading Chairs the group and said, “We are extremely thankful to both the CMJ and the Goldsmiths’ Company for supporting this important research activity for the good of the industry. Within the group we’ve been calling the project the jewellery census,

Luz Arias - Nuanced transparency

Luz Arias has been dedicating herself to jewellery since 1999 and during her career she also becomes curator of the "Puro Diseño" fair, thus acquiring a formal sensibility towards both project and creativity writes  Ilaria Ruggiero She meets the glass almost by chance becoming her perfect alter ego, as often happens to those who are attracted to and approach this material, so concrete but so elusive. From the moment she starts working with glass, she improves technique and aesthetics in a personal and unique way. A bit in general, and especially in her work, Luz does not aim to dominate

My Carbon Family Commission

'My Carbon Family' Sculpture Commissions, Creative Giants   Every one of us causes a vast amount of energy-intensive materials to be used every year, with high CO2 emissions to match. My Carbon Family is an innovative multimedia project to help people to better understand the unseen carbon emissions from materials we all use. A ‘family’ of sculptures are being commissioned to, in effect, work as a 3-D sculptural bar chart. BBC News will make five digital videos and a World TV documentary / iplayer examining the production and use of the materials whilst also documenting the artists whilst they create

New Grooves Gallery

New Grooves Gallery Have you channelled your energy into something creative recently? We want to see it!  We are looking for individuals who want to showcase their newfound creativity as part of an online collaborative project.  New Grooves Gallery is a collective with the aim of creating a visual community of people who have found a hidden talent amidst the pandemic. We want to celebrate expression in all its forms, especially by those who may not have previously considered themselves creative. We hope to encourage accessibility into the arts, with the goal of holding a physical exhibition whenever possible. We

News Edit: 6th December 2020

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Where Black lives don’t matter to jewellers Jewellery Business: After  Alexia Connellan  graduated from Columbia University with an art degree, the luxury-design jeweller worked as a professional photographer, and then as a project manager in the tech sector.  .jewellerybusiness.com New Brand To Know: Jessie Thomas Forbes: Jewelry is a family affair for Jessie Thomas who has a shop and workshop she shares with her father David Thomas, a master goldsmith in London. forbes.com Shop London: The local jewellery brands to know about Evening Standard: The small, local and

University Placements for 2019/20 with AA2A

University Placements available for 2019/20 - via AA2A AA2A and its host universities are offering over 50 placements, giving artists and designer-makers the opportunity to undertake a period of research or realise a project using art college facilities e.g. workshops, IT facilities, lending library, lecture programme. AA2A schemes aim to benefit students and institutions through their interaction with practising artists Access is free, for at least 100 hours, between Oct 2019 & April 2020 AA2A's Support Fund, primarily for artists on low income provides expenses up to £350 Closing dates for applications vary, but all are in Sept 2019 Artists on

Public Art Sculpture Commission, Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust

Public Art Sculpture Commission: Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust Aintree University Hospital - Main Entrance Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust (LUHFT) invites applications from artists to create a high quality, innovative and thought provoking piece of public art. The proposed new artwork will be displayed outside the reconfigured main entrance and will complement the existing commissioned works on display around the Aintree site. Project Brief The artwork must: Relate to the overall theme of the commission Be site specific and weather durable Create a sense of “welcome” Reflect Aintree hospital's place as an anchor institution Commission  Theme The overarching theme

Benchpeg enjoys a lockdown chat with Maria Spanou

Continuing our lockdown need for conversation, we chat to long time friend and industry colleague Maria Spanou. Maria is a jewellery industry professional who is ex Central St Martins trained, has a history in finance, project management, jewellery communications, the jewellery retail space and is also a jewellery designer who works to commission. She is an excellent networker and all round good egg. We chat about lockdown, current work coping strategies and making plans for the future… [youtube url=http://youtu.be/x8xt-sRH_oY] Author:  Published: 

#UnityInIsolation - A Virtual Exhibition - Needs You!

It was announced yesterday that the UK’s lockdown period is to be extended for a further three weeks. Whilst this undoubtedly comes as a disappointing blow to many, we all understand why it is necessary. However, small glimmers of prosperity are lighting the way through the mundanity of staying home, like small green shoots growing through cracks in concrete. For many, its been a time of renewed creativity and sense of community. The project we introduce you to today is at the cornerstone of both. Like it or loathe it, social media has been instrumental in connecting us whilst we cannot

Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions

Call for Applications:  The Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions The Adur & Worthing Trust Creative Commissions are offering grants of  £300 – £700  to produce a new piece of work in any artform – visual arts, performance, music, film, photography, dance, digital, literature, craft and more – plus accompanying documentation (such as photographs, film, text or a combination of different media) that must be submitted at the end of the project. Your Commission must take place in Adur or Worthing, and must be completed by the end of January 2022. SWAG Award One additional commission this year will be

Gemfields Partner with National Geographic to Capture the Heart and Soul of Vital Projects in Africa

Gemfields, a world-leading supplier of responsibly sourced gemstones, has partnered with National Geographic to show the behind-the-scenes of Gemfields supported projects in Africa.   See the inner workings of Gemfields supported projects through the lens of National Geographic photogrpaher and film-maker, Shannon Wild. Shannon is at the heart of each film and viewers are given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the landscape, animals and people she encounters during the filming of the short-films. The first film, shot in Zambia's Kafue National Park, focuses on the Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP). The project is dedicated to the study and preservation on large carnivores.  The [youtube

Manon van Kouswijk - Sources & Resources at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London

Manon van Kouswijk - Sources & Resources at K Academy of Contemporary Jewellery, London 17 - 20 July 2019 A 4 Day Masterclass led by Manon van Kouswijk at K Academy Of Contemporary Jewellery, London Masterclass - Sources & Resources The project of contemporary jewellery started out as an idealistic one that aimed to change our thinking about what jewellery was and what it could be. In our increasingly image-driven era of late capitalism how do you articulate and shape your position within contemporary jewellery practice? What is it that draws you to work with this particular subject matter and

Cluster Jewellery Artist-In-Residence

Cluster Jewellery Artist-In-Residence Cluster London is delighted to announce the launch of its first artist-in-residence programme, which will offer artists the opportunity to experience the capital’s creative vibrancy through a fully-funded residency, and to develop their network in the city through a tailored mentorship programme. A Home from Home in London The Cluster Residency seeks to offer artists a life-changing opportunity to kickstart their practice in London, and to equip them with everything that they could need to develop an exhibition or project in this international art hub. The residency will last 4 weeks, and will include transportation

Jewellery Quarter Cemetery Memories Campaign

A chance to share your memories of the historic Jewellery Quarter cemeteries or make new ones at an upcoming event on 25 th  April 2020 from 1pm to 3pm in Warstone Lane Cemetery. Key Hill and Warstone Lane cemeteries have been part of people’s lives in the Jewellery Quarter for generations, and lots of people have memories to share.  The Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project is calling out for people who have a connection to the cemeteries to share their personal recollections which will form part of an exciting event. From residents and people who work or study in the Quarter,

Hackney Historic Buildings Trust

Hackney Historic Buildings Trust Digital Access Project 2021 Open Call – Proposals for digital events and activity Our remarkable buildings have been home to many creative residencies and educational projects over the years. This year, we are focusing our efforts on digital, audio-visual and online activities which celebrate the local history, heritage and architecture of our buildings. HHBT  is responsible for the protection and continued use of Hackney’s Oldest Building -  St. Augustine’s Tower , and perhaps our most notable building; the  Round Chapel  which HHBT owns and operates as a community and performance venue. Opportunity Round Chapel is the

Artists Access to Art Colleges

Artists Access to Colleges along with host universities are offering 50 spots to artists and designers to undertake a period of research or realise a project using art college facilities which include: workships, IT facilities, lending library, and lecture programme.  AA2A schemes aim to benefit students and institutions through their interaction with practising artists. Artists from 2017-2018 schemes can now reapply for this year's schemes. All applicants must have at least one year of professional practice. Only MA /PhD students can apply in the same year they graduate. Applicants should be able to work with minimal technical support. Applicants will be

Jewellery Is Not Only Jewellery. Finale

Art gallery PUTTI presents the exhibition  JEWELLERY IS NOT ONLY JEWELLERY  celebrating its 20 year anniversary and simultaneously  FINALE writes   Ilaria Ruggiero A choral and broad project, in line with the previous conceptual jewellery exhibitions realized during the past years, aimed at expanding the classical understanding of jewellery as well as challenging the boundaries of creativity within the field of jewellery, from different point of view: aesthetically, intellectually and also physically - demonstrating that the object we call jewellery does not have a perceptual frame. 15 artists participates in the exhibition, they are contemporary jewellery thinkers and creators from

Museum of the Jewellery Quarter announce First Jeweller In Residence

One budding Midlands jewellery designer has been given a unique opportunity with the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter to be its first Jeweller in Residence, a project which aims to support emerging jewellery designers. Winner Fiona Harris, who previously studied at Birmingham City University School of Jewellery, is the first designer to be crowned with the title. As part of the prize Fiona, now based in Nottingham, has the unique opportunity to work from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter’s perfectly preserved jewellery workshop for the next year and have her bespoke handcrafted jewellery sold in the museum’s acclaimed shop. The

The SOLO Award 2018

Call for Applications: The SOLO Award™ 2018 The SOLO Award™ is an annual contemporary art prize open to artists of all ages, working in all media. The finalists are exhibited in a group show each spring and the overall winner receives a cash prize and a solo exhibition at the London Art Fair each January. The SOLO Award is an entirely not-for-profit project, now in its 7th year. Aimed at supporting the careers of emerging and mid-career artists, the award broadens audiences by presenting the winners' ambitious and creatively risk-taking solo projects within the established commercial context of the London Art

Fire and Facets

Image credit- Left: Ami Pepper, Middle: Max Danger, Right: Shimell and Madden. Gill Wing Gallery presents​ Fire and Facets​, a pioneering collaboration of craftsmanship across the continents. The project has created new jewellery by leading contemporary British designers featuring opals from Australia’s famous Lightning Ridge. The exhibition takes place in Gill Wing’s beautiful gallery in Islington, the leading London destination for contemporary jewellery. Fire and Facets is guest-curated by renowned New York jewellery blogger A Thousand Facets and will reveal limited edition opal inspired fragrances specially composed by award winning perfumer Sarah McCartney, made in London at her indie perfume

Eileen Gatt Transforms Former Black Isle Post Office Into Ethical Jewellery Centre

The small village of Munlochy, on the Black Isle, is set to be at the forefront of Scotland’s drive to become a world leader in ethical jewellery making and silversmithing. Eileen Gatt has recently given up her Edinburgh studio in order to transform the former post office, a few miles from Inverness, into a centre for ethical making and design. It’ll be a lengthy task, but thanks to a £4,000 bursary from the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of Edinburgh, plus £11,000 from Creative Scotland and £30,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), it’s a project she thinks has a bright future.

IJL to showcase their Bright Young Gems

International Jewellery London has announced the four winning designers nominated as the Bright Young Gems for 2018 – Katharina Kraus, Zeemou Zeng, Daisy Grice and Yayun Fang – at a special celebratory preview in London, IJL Curated 2018. Now in its fourteenth year, this IJL project provides the winners, all  young talented designers chosen as ‘the stars of the future’, with the unique opportunity to showcase their work at this premier industry jewellery show, as well as benefit from dedicated mentoring from jewellery experts before the event to ensure that they maximise the experience. International Jewellery London has announced the

Jewellery Certificate Level 2 at Morley Collage

Jewellery Certificate Level 2- VJE070A Morley College 13 Sep 2017 - 4 Jul 2018 This year long course is 3 hours a week from September and is an intermediate course aimed at people wanting to further their skills, start a business, work in the jewellery industry or progress onto further education.  The course covers press-forming, etching, stone setting, fashion jewellery, a competition project with the V&A museum, using found objects in jewellery and enamelling. At the end of the course there is a show which the students organise, run and participate in. It also covers running a small business, setting

How Do I Finance My Creative Business?

Pricing, costs and business plan: How do I finance my creative business?  Crafts Council Are you looking for advice on how to manage your finances? How to price your work? Looking for expertise on how to manage your cash flow finances or set up a budget? Looking for knowledge and support in seeking income for a project?  Why should you attend?  Find out about how to manage your finances for your creative practice  Find out about funding options for your business whether you are a start up or more established  Find out the top tips from experienced makers on costing

The Goldsmiths’ Company becomes a Founding Partner of The Museum of London

The Museum of London and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths (one of the major City Livery Companies) today announced that the Goldsmiths' Company is to become a Founding Partner of the new Museum of London, due to open in West Smithfield in 2022. The Goldsmiths' Company and its affiliated Charity have pledged £10 million to the Museum project.  This landmark donation goes towards the Museum’s plans to create a spectacular new home for the history of London and its people in the beautiful but disused market buildings at West Smithfield. This follows the news earlier this year that the City

Jewellery Surgery at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery

Jewellery Surgery at K2 Academy of Contemporary Jewellery Let us help you solve your technical and design problems 1 or 2 Day Course - Saturdays 10 and/or 17 Mar 2018 What will be taught? As a maker we all face challenges from time to time: We get stuck with our technical skills, progress or design development and wish we had someone to talk to and discuss it with! On this course you will have the possibility to get advise on the practical and design problems you come across when making jewellery. It will focus on your specific project, your work in

Jewellery Pioneer

Call for Applications: Jewellery Pioneer Delivered in partnership with  Centa Business Services (CENTA) , the 6-month programme nurtures emerging London-based jewellery businesses, identifying and providing solutions for some of the issues that may be stifling growth in the early stages of business.  Topics covered include: Jewellery Product Development Production & Manufacturing Techniques Ethical & Environmental Considerations Routes to Market Project Management ...and more Eligibility Criteria Businesses must be operating in a London Borough Businesses must operating for a minimum of 12 months Businesses must have a minimum of £10,000 sales Application Deadline: 19 April 2018 Apply now:  Jewellery Pioneer All

Could 2018 mark new crypto era for UK jewellers?

Attempts to persuade UK gold dealers and jewellers to embrace the cryptocurrency Dash in their business plans in 2018 could enjoy a surge of activity following the award of 'wallets' of digital cash to 10 jewellers around the country. As part of a project to promote wider use of digital currency among retailers, a market survey, conducted in conjunction with the National Association of Jewellers last November, asked 2200 NAJ about their plans for the future use of Dash, an alternative to Bitcoin. A total of 201 companies responded, including some of the largest UK firms in the sector, many of them

The London Artisan

Call for Applications, The London Artisan The London Artisan is a curated marketplace in the heart of East London. A collaborative project between Designers/Makers and The Old Truman Brewery. We offer a platform for 50 Designer Makers to promote and sell their work to new audiences. The London Artisan offer's a diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. But more than that, it’s about people and place; meeting the makers, conversation with friends and embedding the social back into shopping. We curate 'The Artisan Talks', bringing together a range of professionals to offer free talks and workshops

Birmingham student gives iconic IKEA chair funky makeover

One of IKEA’s best selling products, the POANG chair has a stunning new cover design created by a final year textile student at Birmingham City University. Nader Nazari produced the design as part of the University’s annual Trends Project, set up in partnership with the Swedish furniture giant, in a bid to forge close local relationships in the city. IKEA donated a POANG chair for Textile Design students to create an original cover for using this year’s theme ‘GRACE’ and it was Nazari’s level of workmanship that impressed University academics and IKEA’s design team most. The design was made up and is

Stephen Webster promotes end of single use plastic with the Last Straw

Jeweller to the stars Stephen Webster, has partnered with the Plastic Oceans Foundation to highlight the need to end the use of single use plastics, like straws, in his latest environmental campaign. In response the world’s plastic pollution problem, whereby the UK alone uses mind-boggling 8.5 billion straws every year, which are among the top 10 items found in beach clean-ups and take over 200 years to break down, Webster has launched his latest project 'The Last Straw'. Handcrafted in sterling silver, a perfect material known for its anti-bacterial qualities, 'The Last Straw' will be personalised with the owner’s name

Burgess Park Commission, Southwark Council

Burgess Park Commission, Southwark Council Public Art Commission Funding has been identified through Southwark Council’s Parks Capital Programme to commission an artist /arts organisation to produce and install a new visual artwork in Burgess Park to commemorate the people and places impacted by WWI zeppelin bomb that landed on Calmington Road, which is now incorporated into Burgess Park. Project Aims To work with the local community to create a high quality visual art installation that commemorates the people and places impacted by the zeppelin bomb on Calmington Road and celebrates the heritage of the local area. To foster a sense

Model Landscape Commission National Trust Stourhead

Commission: ‘Model Landscape’. National Trust Stourhead Working with Trust New Art, the National Trust’s programme of contemporary arts inspired by ‘Spirit of place’, Stourhead are looking to commission contemporary artist, or art collective, to develop a project in response to the theme ‘Model Landscape’. The finished artwork will be the centrepiece of an art-focused events programme that will allow our visitors to view Stourhead from a new perspective, and is to be installed in the gardens, its buildings and/or in the house from March 2019. As one of the most influential English landscape gardens of the eighteenth-century landscape movement and it was

Initiation 2018

Initiation 2018 // Kallichoron Munich Jewellery Week 2018 A Jewellery, Narrative & Performance show to reflect the night of the sacred orgies.  The project INITIATION 2018 // KALLICHORON focuses on „ Body – Ritual - Narrativ e“ as a means to bridge jewellery with the sacred context of its origins and to find meaning in its future development.  For 2.000 years Eleusina, a farmers' community close to Athens, was the spiritual capital of the Greek-Roman world. The cult of Demeter and Persephone - Mother and Daughter – also know as "orgies" (work) celebrated the establishment of human settlements and agriculture,

“We wear culture”: Google Arts Collaborates With The V&A

From the fusion of fashion with surrealist art to Vivienne Westwood’s anarchic designs, the V&A collaborates with Google to unlock the world of fashion with a new virtual experience, "We wear culture". The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) joins over 180 renowned cultural institutions around the world from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Palace of Versailles to create the largest ever virtual exhibition of style. The “We wear culture” project by Google Arts & Culture uses state-of-the-art technology to allow viewers to explore 3,000 years of world fashion and discover the stories behind the clothes we wear today.

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

School of Jewellery Students Impress With Halo Designs

Three second year students studying for a Higher National Diploma in Jewellery and Silversmithing at the Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery have been shortlisted as finalists in an annual design competition run by Birmingham-based casting house, 3D printing and bespoke manufacturing company Weston Beamor. The brief for this year’s Live Project was to design a halo engagement ring and a fitted wedding band to sit alongside it.  All designs had to include a primary gemstone or pearl, mounted in precious metal. Students were asked to tailor their designs towards 25-35 year olds. Three potential winners – Ruth Hallows, Bethany

Winchester Creative Enterprise Centre Moves Forward

The planning applications have now been submitted for a new Creative Enterprise Centre project in Winchester. The centre proposed, by Winchester City Council, will see the refurbishment of the ‘Goods Shed’ on Barfield Close to house a variety of visual artists and other, office-based creative businesses such as design and architecture practices. A new, warehouse-style building is also being considered as part of the proposal to accommodate performing arts organisations needing to rehearse, create new work or run workshops. The ambition is to provide advice and support to those organisations and individuals taking space in the Creative Enterprise Centre to

GIA Develops Free Gem Guide for Artisanal Miners

The GIA (Gemological Institute of America), working with nonprofit international development organization Pact, have recently launched a pilot study to test a new rough gem guide. The guide was developed specifically to offer basic gemological and market knowledge for artisanal miners in gem-producing regions. The illustrated booklet, available in English and Tanzanian Swahili, was distributed to approximately 45 women miners in the  Tanga  region of Tanzania. “This project is at the very core of GIA’s mission,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “We are moving practical gemstone education as far up the supply chain as possible, to people who

Call for Makers / Digital Makers to Deliver Craft Workshops, Crafts Council

Maker Brief - Make Your Future The Crafts Council is looking for traditional and digital craft makers to plan and deliver workshops on our flagship craft education programme Make Your Future.  The project is a major new nationwide initiative to ignite a passion for craft among 6000 young people in secondary schools and enable them to discover their craft and making talents. Introduction to Make Your Future In 2014, Crafts Council launched  Our Future is in the Making  - the evidence-based education manifesto supported by educators, artists and makers, crafts professionals, engineers, scientists and industrialists. This manifesto sets out the case

Benchpeg Award Winner: Design for Creativity, Innovation or Disruption

Benchpeg Awards 2016 Winner: Shuming Chen Monitoring in the Dark Collection This category invited entries which displayed design and or creativity in a disruptive manner to create a piece which is completely unique. Judges considered all the entries and favoured those which displayed thinking outside of the box – those entries which displayed the most unconventional jewellery design. In their selection the judges really wanted to question the very nature of the meaning of jewellery and how it could project the best representation of future British jewellery design. Shuming’s methodology of working attempts to combine daily life with the science technology

Celebrating Eighty: Art In The Hand

This March the exhibition Celebrating Eighty: Art in the Hand at the Goldsmiths’ Centre unites eighty contemporary art medals by students from more than a dozen UK art colleges with work by renowned Iranian sculptor, jeweller, writer and designer Parviz Tanavoli and his former students in celebration of his 80th Birthday. All exhibitors have been invited to participate in the British Art Medal Society’s 24th Student Medal Project. A surprising and challenging medium for artists and viewers alike, the modern art medal has its roots in the Renaissance tradition of making medals as hand-sized works of art. Each year over

UK £1M CNC Machine Tool ‘Servitisation’ Rolled Out

Innovate UK-funded scheme will see businesses purchasing the capacity to manufacture products whilst the ‘ servitisation  provider’ retains responsibility for the machinery and its smooth running  with the scheme particularly focused towards SMEs. THE University of Huddersfield has teamed up with top engineering companies and research institutes for a £1 million pound project that aims to bring about massive improvements in competitiveness and efficiency for UK manufacturers. The goal is to extend the principle of “ servitisation ” to firms that use CNC machinery for precision-engineered products.  This means that a manufacturer does not – in the conventional way –

Scott Armstrong wins CSM Chaumet Design Competition

BA Jewellery Design student Scott Armstrong was announced as the winner of the Central Saint  Martins  BA and MA Jewellery Design student competition to design a new headpiece for the world renowned jewellery house  Chaumet . Several weeks ago Scott Armstrong, a third year BA Jewellery Design student, travelled to Beijing’s Forbidden City with  Chaumet  to launch his  Vertiges  tiara following on from a design project.  The design is the result of the challenge  Chaumet  set for students of BA Jewellery Design and MA Design (Jewellery) to reinvent the tiara for the 21 st   century.   “It’s still the ultimate object,”

Commission: New Huguenot Silver

The Huguenot Museum seek to commission some unique pieces of silver to be sold in our Museum Shop in time for Christmas. About the Museum: The Huguenot Museum opened last year and tells the important story of the French Protestants who fled persecution in France in the 17th Century. Silver was one of the key trades practiced by these new arrivals, who changed the face of the craft. About the Project: We seek to commission a new piece (or pieces) of silver or jewellery which has been inspired by Huguenot Heritage which we will then sell in our Museum shop

Call for Creative Practitioners, Redevelopment of Maindee Library, Newport

Call for Creative Practitioners, Redevelopment of Maindee Library, Newport Maindee Unlimited are inviting applications from Creative Practitioners (artists/designers/architects, as individuals, studios, partnerships or group practices) to work on a project within Maindee Library, a volunteer-run community space on the eastern side of Newport city centre. The commission is to work with the Maindee Library Working Group and other key stakeholders to identify, prioritise and develop creative/design solutions and oversee their implementation towards the renovation and improvement of the library building as a flexible and creative space for community use. For full brief and details of how to apply www.addocreative.com This

Design a Pair of Silver Hoop Earrings

Jewellery Design Project:  Design a pair of silver hoop earrings for  Georgiana Scott’s THE HOOP STATION sister label We would like to give a young Jeweller the opportunity to pitch a design to us for our Christmas launch and the winning design would be put into our collection with immediate effect. About Us Our story is everyday luxury, effortlessly. 925 sterling silver collections which are made in Italy, freshwater pearl collections and a curated selection of 18 carat gold. Established in London in 1991, Georgiana Scott is one of the original boutique jewellery labels. We are known for accessible, ageless,

ENSEMB7E Presents: ‘Hidden Layers’

‘Hidden Layers’ - An exhibition staged by MA by Project Artists Jewellery | Ceramics | Sculpture | Painting | Installation Hidden Layers serves as a metaphor for the outcomes encountered on the path of the search .  The ‘deep learning’ uncovers hither-to protected or concealed layers within an individual’s practice.  Diverse research areas and fine art practices combine to form this multi-disciplinary group – building an individually stronger practice.  Through our research, lost, yet to be discovered, or the newly imagined are encountered. Installations and memory objects subvert conventional notions of home as a safe haven | Evocative landscapes allude

MK Gallery

MK Gallery, in collaboration with Broughton and Milton Keynes Parish Council and Milton Keynes Council is looking for an artist to work within the local community to create a new public artwork in the area around the Claridge Park housing development, Middleton. We are looking for someone who is able to demonstrate an enthusiasm for, and experience of, connecting with communities and creating art in the public realm. Fee The budget for the project is £20,000 inclusive of VAT. This includes the artist’s fee, development, workshops, research, materials and installation. To Apply Applications should be submitted via email to Claire

Makers and Brewers Fair 2017

Call for Applications: Makers at White Mill Rural Heritage Centre Bakers, Makers and Brewers Fair 2017 Following on from the first successful Bakers, Makers and Brewers Fair 2015, we’re back with a weekend celebrating the White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, and the launch of MAKERS, a project space at the White Mill offering; locally roasted coffee and beer from local microbreweries, and a performance and making space with a programme of events and workshops. It’ll be a place to meet, share, make, drink, eat cake and discuss. For National Mills Weekend the Bakers, Makers & Brewers Fair is back and

Appointment: Doug Henry, New CEO & Assay Master

The AnchorCert Group, comprising Assay Office Birmingham, AnchorCert Analytical, AnchorCert Gem Lab, SafeGuard Valuations and AnchorCert Academy, has announced the appointment of Doug Henry MBA as incoming Chief Executive and Assay Master. Doug, who is currently joint CEO, will commence his new appointment as the company's 14th Assay Master on Monday 3 April 2017, having originally joined AnchorCert Group to restructure the quality management system in September 2014. Doug then successfully project-managed the business relocation to Moreton Street in July 2015. Doug has subsequently led the management of the Indian off-shore sub-office, and continues to support the development of quality

Joanne Haywood: A woman’s work is never done

21 Jewellery works made for 15 trailblazing women. This frieze of jewellery represents the women who have been important to mixed media jeweller Joanne Haywood from childhood to present day and were created over three year period. The project was prompted by an ACJ exhibition in 2014, where Haywood made a neckpiece in honour of Patti Smith, in response to the theme of ICONS. She accumulated a long list of trailblazing women and decided to make further works in honour of each of them and their work. The frieze of jewellery was exhibited for the first time during Made Canary

ATELIER 51

For the past few months Atelier 51 has been working on an exciting new project - a permanent shop based in their HQ and studio in the London Road area of Brighton just down from Brighton Station. They've refitted their tiny shop and have assembled a great variety of makers to show their work. We must say it is looking great! They will be launching an online shop soon featuring unique and beautiful work, handmade in Britain, delivered to you at home. For more information, register your email here . Atelier 51 Studio Shop will be open 11am-5pm Tuesday to

British Fashion Council Launches British High-End Manufacturers Database

Caroline Rush CBE, CEO of the British Fashion Council and Professor Christopher Moore, Director of the British School of Fashion, Glasgow Caledonian University have  launched the British Fashion Council’s new  British High-End Manufacturers Database. The national database of UK-based manufacturers aims to make it easier for designers to form supply chain relationships and reach production units. The British High-End Manufacturers Database  is the first milestone of 2017 for the BFC’s Positive Fashion initiative. In March 2015 the BFC and a working group comprising of M&S, UKFT, Creative Skillset, The Alliance Project and Centre for Fashion Enterprise worked alongside independent specialists

Ilaria Ruggiero

Meet Benchpeg's Contributing Writer Ilaria. As an authority of contemporary and art jewellery, her features aim to cover the current European contemorary jewellery movement.   Ilaria Ruggiero Contributing Writer Ilaria Ruggiero is a cultural manager and curator working in the field of contemporary art. She is the founder of  Adornment - Curating Contemporary Art Jewelry , a curatorial integrated project dedicated to contemporary art jewelry. It aims to develop the knowledge and consciousness of contemporary jewelry as artistic discipline and as ground search for technique, aesthetics, and philosophy. www.adornment-jewelry.com Meet the rest of the team here . If you'd like

Hayton Castle CIC - Cumbria

Artist in Residence Opportunity 3x Hayton Castle CIC - Cumbria Hayton Castle Fields CIC is looking for three artists-in-residence for an exciting recycling project in Cumbria. Hayton Castle Fields CIC works to benefit our local community by providing projects and events focusing on nature and creativity. Our ongoing work aims to bring people together to benefit our community, with a focus on young people in West Cumbria. We are currently working with West Cumbria Rivers Trust to remove decades of fly-tipped rubbish, including prams, bikes, TV’s, plastic buckets, you name it, from our woodland.  Rather than send the rubbish to

City Fringe Partnership

The City Fringe Partnership was a ground-breaking public and private sector alliance between the London Development Agency, the London boroughs and private business partners which ran from 1996 - 2009.  Through their European Development-funded project, the Jewellery Sector Investment Plan (JSIP), they created £3 million worth of jewellery support programmes, improving collaborative and training opportunities in the industry. The projects ran until 2009, and they continue to inspire long-term regenerative partnerships today. Projects like Future in the Making supported 340 businesses to increase their sales and contacts, and beginner’s jewellery and awareness courses were run for 125 socially and economically

Syanyonja Artisan Miners' Alliance Achieves First African Fairtrade Certified Mine Status

Syanyonja Artisan Miners' Alliance (SAMA) has become the first artisanal small scale mining co-operative in Africa to become Fairtrade certified, bringing much needed hope to impoverished communities who risk their lives to mine the rich gold seam that runs around Lake Victoria. SAMA is one of nine previously informal groups from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania which has benefitted from a pilot project launched by Fairtrade in 2013. This innovative program aims to extend the benefits of Fairtrade gold to artisanal miners across East Africa. In that short time, SAMA has undergone training in business and entrepreneurship, as well as safe

Call for Applications: Artists in Schools Residencies

Applications are now invited for Cove Park's 2017 Artists in Schools residency project. Cove Park will award two funded residencies, of two weeks each, to individual artists working in any medium with experience and/or a desire to extend their practice into education.  Artists working in Visual Arts, Craft & Design, Literature, Performance, Film etc. are welcome to apply.  The Artists in Schools residencies are part of our wider public engagement programme called  Hands-On Cove Park .  They will take place concurrently during May 2017. Artists on residency are given the time, space and financial support to concentrate upon the development of their work. 

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries Re-Open

The V&A’s spectacular Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries reopened to the public last week in preperation for the V&A’s Exhibition Road building project. The newly updated suite of four galleries display highlights from one of the most important collections of decorative art ever given to the nation, alongside recent acquisitions.   Over 500 precious objects amassed by 2oth-century collectors Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert, including European silver and gold plate, delicate gold boxes, Italian mosaics and enamel portrait miniatures, are now back on public display in newly re-curated galleries. The objects dating from the 15th to the 20th centuries were carefully

A Mining Statue - Doncaster

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council seeks to commission an experienced artist to design and implement a high quality figurative statue, cast in bronze. We are looking to establish a work of local, regional and national significance, of the highest artistic standards and quality, in the heart of the Town Centre to commemorate and celebrate Doncaster’s mining heritage. Aims and Objectives This project seeks to achieve the following objectives: The work must be both in keeping with the requirements of an ambitious and forward looking town, and a fitting tribute to Doncaster’s rich industrial heritage. Significant engagement and consultation with mining communities

Southampton Students Get Fashion Fantastic with Plastic

An exciting project with DOW, one of the world leaders in the plastic market, will see a selection of Southampton Solent University students get the chance to showcase their work at a leading event in Dusseldorf this October. Under the theme ‘FaceOfInnovation’, which will focus on showcasing trends and innovation in the plastic industry; a number of students have been challenged to think outside of the box and create stylish, wearable fashion garments by reusing plastic materials. Southampton Solent University spoke with Charlotte and Lily, both now in their final academic year, studying Make-up and Hair and Design, to hear

Rebecca Hannon: Contemporary Camouflage

Contemporary Camouflage is Rebecca Hannon’s latest project, one she has developed during two months residency at Studio Rian de Jong, in Amsterdam. Interested in the concepts of concealing and revealing, which stem from the notion of camoiuflage, the artist presents a series of brooches, chignon covers, earrings and necklaces, the result of a paradoxical exploration in the field of contemporary jewellery.  Camouflage means “to blend into”, to conceal oneself in one’s surroundings so as to protect oneself, to go unnoticed, or to become a predator in order to survive. Coloration is the principal form camouflage takes in nature. Adapted by

Jeremy France Jewellers voted as Winchester's ‘Favourite Independent 2016'

Jeremy France Jewellers are on a winning streak, scooping yet another award for ‘Winchester’s Favourite Independent 2016’. Having recently won the award for ‘Independent Business of the Year 2016’ at the Winchester Business awards, the team were keen to maintain their title as Winchester’s favourite, especially as the award was dependent on votes made by the general public. Annually, July marks the month of Winchester’s ‘Festival of Independents’, which is organised by the Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) as part of their ongoing project to support and celebrate all things independent in the city. Throughout the month, shoppers cast their

Young Makers and Craftspeople (Under 25yrs) Exhibition Opportunity

Young Makers and Craftspeople (Under 25yrs) Exhibition Opportunity New Brewery Arts and Heritage Crafts are seeking makers and craftspeople aged 25 and under to take part in an exhibition at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester in 2025.  We want to introduce audiences to the next generation. The exhibition aims to highlight the wealth of skill, thinking, heritage understanding and imagination in the craft sector, played out in the hands of young makers. We aim to excite and inspire audiences by including work that approaches craft through the use of:  Fresh Perspectives Diverse Mediums Storytelling Community Connection Sustainability Focus Emerging Trends 

News Edit: 8 June 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... All smiles: How a grillz jewellery making class in London became an international hit Wallpaper: What started as a passion project quickly exploded in popularity. We get the story behind the grillz-making workshop at Cockpit London. www.wallpaper.com The jewellery boss tasked with making Cartier-owner Richemont shine FT: New chief executive Nicolas Bos has enjoyed success at Van Cleef & Arpels but takes over as luxury industry slows. www.ft.com Cartier Presents Its New High Jewellery Collection: Nature Sauvage Luxferity: Nature sauvage, Cartier’s new high jewellery collection, presents a theatre of

News Edit: 4 April 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Radford College student's jewellery attracts the eye of The Project's Carrie Bickmore Canberra Times: She's only 12 but already Canberra girl Olivia Christian has started her own jewellery business - and had one of Australian television's most famous fashionistas wear a pair of her earrings on air. www.canberratimes.com.au This 27-year-old went from making $45,000 a year to bringing in over $350,000 with her online business CNBC: Three years ago, Maya Portorreal made $45,000 per year working in retail. Last year, she brought in more than $350,000 in sales

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series

‘Flowers from the Frontline’ Series Archivist Exhibit, Garden Museum, London 12th November - 22nd December 2022 The Ukrainian war flower series that finds beauty and growth in a time of destruction. British jewellery designer Phoebe Walsh has created a series of 5 miniature flower pressing books in recycled Sterling Silver, each containing a single war flower from the new frontlines in Kyiv. The project began in March when a brave Kyivan artist Olga Morozova agreed to go searching for flowers as her city fell ablaze. Inspired by the Garden Museum’s collection of Wildflower pressings made by Jane Lindsay in 1956, from London’s WWII

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

Innovative Training For Small Scale Jewellery Manufacturing

The Bespoke Jewellery Training Company has announced its latest training course innovation for jewellery designer makers  and jewellery graduates . Dawn Meaden Johnson’s company had created a  link from the handmade to small-scale manufacturing by providing a live mentored project made up of series of mini  bespoke consultancy sessions provided by  collaboration  with jewellery industry specialists based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. Dawn said of the new approach to specialist jewellery professional development, “Taking the leap into small scale manufacturing can be a daunting prospect  for jewellery Designer Makers  however this  new course  offers mentored guidance throughout the whole process from design to

News Edit 8 April 2018

A round up of this week's news... Bulgari to restore Rome's Largo Argentina site Wanted in Rome:  Rome's archaeological site at Largo di Torre Argentina is to be restored in a project sponsored by luxury jeweller Bulgari, according to Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera. www.wantedinrome.com Thousands of Scots sign petition to stop young Russian jeweller being deported Daily Record:  Evgeniia Balashova's dream career is hanging by a thread after being declined a visa extension because of problems registering her address. www.dailyrecord.co.uk At jewellery fair, sellers find diminished desire to spend Gulf News:  Once common to see jewellery sets sell

V&A to Showcase Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion

V&A collaborates with artist Nick Veasey to build first ever mobile x-ray art studio ahead of landmark exhibition on designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Ahead of the first ever UK exhibition on the fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, opening on 27 May, the V&A teamed up with x-ray artist Nick Veasey to create the world's first mobile x-ray art studio. In the studio, Veasey captured a series of beautifully crafted life-sized x-ray images revealing new and surprising details about the work of one of the 20th century's most revered couturiers. The x-ray project is one of several forensic techniques that the Museum has

Weston Beamor Prototypes Bond: James Bond

Weston Beamor, the Birmingham casting-house, 3D printing and bespoke jewellery manufacturing company, has recently been involved in an interesting project for its customer Big Chief Studios - producers of high-quality, limited-edition, collectable figurines.   WB has been 3D printing photo-realistic body parts in resin, specifically heads, hands, and accessories such as guns and gadgets, for Big Chief’s most recent collection of characters from the iconic Bond film – Goldfinger.  Big Chief has recently taken on the licence to produce action figures from this and several others of the most classic Bond films.  With WB’s assistance, they have now created Bond

Marks & Spencer Combat Customer Allergy Concerns

This summer, Marks & Spencer (M&S) will become the first high street retailer to set a new standard in hypoallergenic jewellery – as it launches Skin Kind™.  From May every item in M&S’s fashion jewellery range will meet its new Skin Kind™ standards, so that even customers with the most sensitive skin can wear stylish accessories with confidence.  The project began last year when M&S discovered that more than one in four [28%] of customers didn’t wear fashion jewellery because they were concerned about potential allergic reactions. To help address these concerns, M&S partnered with Birmingham based, world leading precious

The Jewellers Toolkit

Designing jewellery and setting off on a major project or piece can be an intimidating prospect, especially when looking at using outworkers for the first time. Our Jeweller’s Toolkit has been produced to help you better understand your jewellery manufacturing needs, and it’s free to use. How to use the Jewellers Toolkit The Jeweller's Toolkit is a digital booklet, free to download. Produced by Benchpeg, the Toolkit can be downloaded as a compelte booklet, but we've also broken each handy chapter out into a fact sheet for individual use and reference. Download your full copy here , or the relevant                        

The London Artisan 2017

The London Artisan is a curated marketplace in the heart of East London.  A collaborative project between  Designers/Makers  and  The Old Truman Brewery. When: 11 & 12 March 2017 For more information: www.thelondonartisan.com The London Artisan offer's a diverse, quality, shopping experience that celebrates independent producers and makers. But more than that, it’s about people and place; meeting the makers, conversation with friends and embedding the social back into shopping. We support makers who produce high quality, unique and locally made products within the following categories:  Textiles & Homeware / Illustration & Print / Ceramics & Glassware / Jewellery & Accessories / product design / Traditional