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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

Introducing the latest Harry Winston collection ‘Winston Gates’

Signature design codes from luxury maisons are often reinterpreted time and time again, however, Harry Winston’s latest jewellery collection looks to a unique part of the brand’s history for inspiration writes Jodie Smith. What do you think of when you hear the name Harry Winston? Renowned for his acquisition of some of the world’s most famous diamonds such as the Jonker, Hope, and Winston Legacy diamonds - as well as his philanthropic pursuits - Harry Winston is a name usually associated with enormous jewels, like the headline grabbing purple sapphire and diamond necklace which Jennifer Lopez sported on the Met Gala

News Edit: 12 March 2023

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Celebrate the women in your life this International Women’s Day with jewellery designed with sustainability and social impact in mind Big Issue: Quazi Design is a vendor available on the Big Issue shop, which sources ethical and socially conscious products for all your needs. www.bigissue.com Jewels linked to Winston Churchill and Princess Diana to be sold for £125,000 Daily Express: A golden necklace that has links to the Duke of Wellington, Queen Victoria, Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales is to be made available for sale

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

The Fore Trust

Funding: The Fore Trust The Fore Trust has announced that the next funding round to support the development of small charities, social enterprises and community interest companies will open for registrations on the 3rd April 2018 at 10 am. The Trust is offering development funding of up to £30,000 and business support to expand the capacity of small charities, social enterprises and community interest companies. To qualify applicant organisations will need to have a turnover of less than £1 million per year). To Apply To apply for funding, organisations must register at the start of each funding round. Numbers for

National Trust Retail Opportunity

Call for Applications: National Trust Retail Opportunity National Trust has partnered with the Crafts Council - Britain's national development agency for contemporary craft - to sponsor the 2017 National Trust Artisan & Craft Retail Open Call. In addition to developing a range exclusively for the National Trust, the winner of the open call will receive a profile on the Crafts Council Directory for the best UK makers, the opportunity to develop their professional practice at a Crafts Council professional development workshop and a one year subscription to Crafts magazine - the magazine for contemporary craft, that brings together the best

The Fenton Arts Trust

Funding: The Fenton Arts Trust The Trust is an arts charity, one which focusses its efforts specifically on the support of artists at the beginning of their careers. Each year there are twenty five to thirty beneficiaries. The objectives of the Trust include: the provision of grants which will support or reward work or performance by individuals early in their careers the provision of grants for institutions or organisations that share these aims. Grants are available to support individual works, activities, performances or prizes in the fields of drama, painting, sculpture, ballet, music, poetry and architecture. An application may come

Princes Trust Development Awards

Funding: Princes Trust Development Awards Young people facing financial barriers to taking the next step into work, education or training can apply for grants of up to £500 through the Princes Trust Development Awards. The grants can cover some of the costs involved in accessing education, training or moving into employment. Eligibility The grants are available to UK residents aged between 14 and 17 who do not have/are not expecting to achieve 5 GCSEs grades A-C-(or equivalent), or those aged 17-25 who are unemployed or working fewer than 16 hours a week, or in education fewer than 14 hours a

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

11th Muir Trust Residency

The Muir Trust invites applications from established, mid-career, UK-based studio artists who wish to develop their creative practice by working with the County Museum collections. The 20 day residency will be based in Aylesbury during the period 18 September to 27 October 2017. We are looking for an artist to select items from the varied collections in store and respond to these through their own medium to create new readings and interpretations. The artist will have a studio in the museum to display the selected exhibits and develop their own artistic responses. The residency is followed by an exhibition illustrating this

Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust

Calling All Talented & Aspiring Craftspeople & Makers! Scholarship & Apprenticeship Funding Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust QEST Scholarships Scholarship funding takes many forms, from traditional college courses to vocational training, one-to-one training with a master-craftsman, or a series of short courses you put together yourself. Grants of up to £18,000 QEST’s mission is to support excellence in British craft. We do that by providing craftspeople with education and training grants of up to £18,000. We support advanced skill development in craftspeople who aim to become masters of their craft. QEST Apprenticeships QEST Apprenticeships offer salary support for craftspeople who have

Open Studios Bishopsland Educational Trust

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

Bishopsland Educational Trust @ Goldsmiths' Fair

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

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

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST)

Call for Applications: Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust  We are delighted to announce that the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust will be accepting new applications for funding between 11 January and 15 February 2021. T alented and aspiring candidates can apply for up to £18,000 to further their education through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships or one-to-one training with master craftsmen. For further details and to apply please visit  www.qest.org.uk .  Deadline for applications is 5pm, 15 February 2021.

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST)

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications Next application round is open 14 July - 24 August 2020 The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) awards scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of skills, from farriery and cheese maturing to jewellery design, silversmithing and sculpture.   QEST was established to help support craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, at a critical stage in their careers and thus sustain traditional British craftsmanship. The charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, QEST was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th

Leverhulme Trust International Academic Fellowships

International Academic Fellowships The Leverhulme Trust is one of the largest providers of research funding in the UK and has announced that applications are now being accepted for the International Academic Fellowships programme. This programme enables established researchers based at UK higher education institutions to spend a period of time in overseas research centres, to develop new knowledge, skills and ideas. The maximum value of a Fellowship is £45,000. Eligible costs include:  Reasonable replacement cover whilst the Fellow is overseas  Travel to and within the overseas country or countries  A maintenance grant to meet the increased expense of living overseas 

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) 2021

Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust 2021 We are delighted to announce that the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust will be accepting new applications for funding between 12 July and 16 August 2021. Talented and aspiring candidates can apply for up to £18,000 to further their education through traditional college courses, vocational training, apprenticeships or one-to-one training with master craftsmen. The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust ( QEST ) awards scholarship and apprenticeship funding of up to £18,000 to talented and aspiring craftspeople working in a broad range of traditional and contemporary skills, from farriery and thatching to jewellery design, glassblowing and millinery. Our next application

A Fresh New Look For The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust

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

P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission

Call for Applicaitons: P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission National Museums Scotland is pleased to invite entries for the P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission. An exciting opportunity that looks to support recently graduated and early career silversmiths in the creation of a major piece of silver that will go on display within National Museums Scotland. For over 45 years, the P & O Makower Trust has commissioned major objects of silver to go on long-term loan to national museums throughout the UK including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Ashmolean and National Museum Wales. This year sees the

BFC Fashion Trust Announces 2017 Grant Recipients

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

The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust raise funds through raffle

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

A celebration of 30 years of Bishopsland Educational Trust Exhibition

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

National Trust Artisan & Craft Retail Open Call 2018

Call for Applications: National Trust Artisan & Craft Retail Open Call 2018 For a second year running the National Trust launch the 2018 National Trust Artisan & Craft Retail Open Call. This is an opportunity for talented makers to develop a product range inspired by their special properties and places. The product range of the successful maker will be launched in up to 10 stores across the country, helping to support British craft and continue to grow the nation's love of National Trust properties. Applications will be shortlisted against the below criteria: Quality Concept Commercial potential What they are looking for: A maker with a high level of aesthetic vision

The Angel Christmas Fair, Candid Arts Trust - London

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

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

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

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

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

P & O Makower Trust Commission 2022 for the Victoria and Albert Museum

P & O Makower Trust Commission 2022 commission for the Victoria and Albert Museum Call for Applications The Victoria and Albert Museum is pleased to invite entries for the P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission. An exciting opportunity that looks to support recently graduated and early career silversmiths in the creation of a major piece of silver that will go on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. For over 45 years the Penelope & Oliver Makower (1974) Trust has commissioned major objects of silver to go on long term loan to national museums throughout the UK including the

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

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

Scottish Goldsmiths Trust announce line up for Marchmont launch

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

Bishopsland Educational Trust announces Angela Cork’s appointment as Principal

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

Bishopsland Educational Trust Silver & Fine Jewellery Exhibition & Sale

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

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

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

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

Artists Commissions: To Make New Work In Extraordinary Places, National Trust

Following a successful application to Arts Council England, through Trust New Art, three opportunities for artists to work with National Trust have opened up in the Midlands.  Exploring ideas of global upheaval, science, religion and gender identity, they offer research and development time to new work with resources of staff and archives.  Open to all artists working in contemporary arts, who have been practicing for three years. Coming to an Open Day or independent visits are encouraged, please contact names  below. Fees Artists fees  from £5K- £20K. Application Deadlines Deadlines November and December. Some Open Days have taken place, but

Call For Applications: The P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission

Call For Applications: The P & O Makower Trust Silver Commission for Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales 2016 The P&O Makower Trust wishes to commission a silversmith designer to design and make a piece of work (excluding jewellery) to a maximum value of £5,000 which would be placed on loan with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales. Call for Applications Entries are now invited from: recently graduated (within the last seven years) professionalised silversmiths who are resident in Britain and who may or may not have work in public collections. The scheme excludes student work. Timetable and Further Details Entrants

Garden Installation, Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood

Garden Installation, Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood Brief: Creative Installation for the garden at Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood, The Children’s Country House  What is The Children’s Country House?  Sudbury Hall and The National Trust Museum of Childhood is undergoing a transformation into The Children’s Country House. A space with three components: a 17th century mansion, a Museum of Childhood and gardens are being united as an immersive heritage experience where children are put first. The Children’s Country House is about creating a place where children feel empowered, important, engaged and that they matter.     What do we want?   We

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

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

Commission for an Artist / Maker, National Trust Croome

Croome is looking for an emerging artist, maker or designer to develop and make new work responding to Robert Adam’s vision and designs at Croome.  The work(s) will be designed in collaboration with five local groups and presented at Croome in 2018. The artist will be supported by artist Hew Locke in a mentoring relationship. Fee The selected artist/marker will receive a £5,200 commission with a £13,000 material cost budget. Dates 3  March – 10 am Deadline for the expression of Interest 11 March – Artist Open Day at Croome 27 March – Deadline for Artist Proposal 5 April –

Jana Reinhardt jewellery partners with National Animal Welfare Trust

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

GIA Scholarships

Call for Applications GIA Scholarships $500,000 bequest to fund Charles and Erna Leutwyler Memorial Scholarship The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) will begin accepting applications for the current scholarship cycle on 1 February 2018; applications are due by 31 March 2018. Applications are available at gia.edu/scholarships for the Institute’s Gemology and Jewelry Manufacturing Arts programs, courses and lab classes. 2018 is the first year for the Charles and Erna Leutwyler Memorial Scholarship, funded by a bequest of nearly $500,000 to GIA from the estate of alumni couple, Charles and Erna Leutwyler. Over the course of eight years GIA has awarded

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

Designer Spotlight: Anna Hu haute joaillerie

Anna Hu is an international jewelry designer, born in Taiwan and educated in the U.S., who approaches her art with a distinctly East meets West philosophy and aesthetic that is heavily influenced by both cultures. She has studied at the Gemological Institute of America, F.I.T., Parsons School of Design (Masters, 19th century French Jewelry) and Columbia University (Masters, Arts Administration). After working for Christie’s, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston, she founded her namesake brand, Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie, at the age of 30 and opened her first boutique one year later in New York’s famed Plaza Hotel. A

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hosts sell out ‘In Conversation’ with Cartier event

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council hosted its first ‘In Conversation’ event of 2018, a special evening led by jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy, in conversation with Cartier, the world’s highly esteemed and respected jewellery Maison. The evening provided a unique opportunity to hear from Neil Battes and Vincenzo Marsico working with Cartier in London about their world and work, and the GC&DC’s prized Jacques Cartier Memorial Award. With questions presented by Joanna Hardy, the conversation took a vibrant behind-the-scenes journey through Cartier’s prestigious design studio, workshops and retailing experience - the exemplar for quality and excellence in craftsmanship - to

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Holds VIP Industry Reception

A VIP  industry focused  reception was held at The Goldsmiths’ Centre last week ,  honouring  the current Patrons, Sponsors and Contributors of the annual Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards, and to encourage new companies and individuals to become supporters for the 2018 Awards.     The VIP event included the unveiling of a new behind-the-scenes video showcasing the 2017 awards and judging, and an exclusive  interview with Paul Jones, winner of  2017 The Jacques Cartier Memorial Award, who, to the amazement and bemusement of a the spellbound guests, demonstrated how his outstanding mystery revolving clock functions. Paul Jones spoke about

News Edit: 1 August 2024

A curated edit of this week's national and international jewellery news... Gem-studded geometry: jewellery brand Moltke comes to Dover Street Market Wallpaper reports: Moltke’s founder takes us inside its latest architecturally inspired jewellery collection, ‘Abacus’, crafted from recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. https://www.wallpaper.com/watches-jewellery/nicholas-moltke-jewellery-interview Discover Kia Schwan's colourful, Art Deco-inspired jewellery Wallpaper reports: Kia Schwaninger draws on experience at Van Cleef & Arpels and Harry Winston for her Kia Schwan jewellery brand. www.wallpaper.com Homegrown talent: The best British jewellers for any occasion Luxury London reports: The Place Vendôme has its place but you needn't look any further than Britain's own esteemed

Huge Turnout for the 2024 Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council Awards Ceremony

The Jacques Cartier Memorial Award and 50 other awards were presented at the 2024 Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 'Jewellery Oscars' held on Monday. Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on Monday 4th March 2024, the annual Awards Ceremony, otehrwise known as the 'Jewellery Oscars' was opened by the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council’s chair Anne-Marie Reeves, and hosted by Council Trustees Maeve Gillies and Judith Lockwood, who revealed this year’s award winners. The event welcomed 300 guests, including representatives from world renowned jewellery houses, notable sponsors, industry associations, leading designers, and the UK

Bishopsland Launch £2.5M Capital Fundrasing Campaign

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

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

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

Silversmithing Short Course Bursary

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

News Edit: 28 April 2024

A round up of this week's national and international jewellery news... St Austell jewellery firm is backing two Cornish charities through new collection Voice Newspaper: The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust will benefit. www.voicenewspapers.co.uk Modern & Better Choices and The Impact of Sustainable and Ethical Jewelry Fine Homes and Living: In recent years, the demand for ethical and sustainable jewelry has been on the rise. With growing awareness about the environmental and social impacts of the traditional jewelry industry, customers are beginning to look for better alternatives that align with their values. www.finehomesandliving.com How to change

Opening of the Marchmont Silversmithing Workshop

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

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

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

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

Call for Applications: Two fully funded Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships

Call for Applications: Fully funded Graduate Apprentice Scheme Residential Scholarships South House Silver Workshop Trust Two fully funded Graduate Apprentice Scheme residential scholarships are being offered by the Trustees of the South House Silver Workshop Trust. The scholarships will give two silversmiths the opportunity to learn a variety of silversmithing skills in an intensive residential placement with leading silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne. Travel, accommodation and tuition fees will be covered by the grant. The placements will be divided into two periods of intensive residential workshop experience - one silversmith will spend two months in Shetland with Rod Kelly

Ratcliffe Artist Fellowship

The National Trust is delighted to launch the ‘Call for Applicants’ for the 2017 Dorothy Una Ratcliffe Artist Fellowship at Acorn Bank, Penrith. 3 Month Artist Residency We are offering a 3-month artist residency and commission opportunity at Acorn Bank for an emerging to mid-career artist to make new site-responsive artwork in this unique and beautiful setting. The fellowship has previously been awarded to Chichi Parish and Freya Pocklington. About the Residency Now in its third year, this is a residential opportunity in a unique National Trust site in Cumbria, the former home of Dorothy Una Ratcliffe - an author,

Support For Starting A Business

The Princes Trust work with 18 to 30-year-olds to turn big ideas into a business reality through their Enterprise programme. From training and mentoring support to funding and resources, they will be  with you every step of the way. Eligibility If you’re 18 to 30, living in the UK and unemployed, or working fewer than 16 hours a week, and have a business idea or some ideas to explore, the Enterprise Programme could be for you. Getting Started Kicking off with a free information session in your local area, The Princes Trust will tell you how they can support you

Contemporary British Silversmiths Members win Scholarships

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

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

Copenhagen Commitment Summit in London seen as hugely positive step forward

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

Residential Post-graduate programme for Silversmiths & Jewellers

Residential Post-graduate programme for Silversmiths & Jewellers Bishopsland Educational Trust is the only post-graduate residential programme for newly established silversmiths and jewellers in the UK. Our ethos is to support makers as they develop an income stream through a series of advanced masterclasses, exhibitions and competitions.  Added to this, we provide a grounding in the business and marketing skills needed to thrive as an independent maker. We are now open for applications to join the 11 month programme in September 2022 and have just a few places left.  Please contact  c.murdoch@bishopsland.org.uk  for more information or visit  www.bishopsland.org.uk

QEST Scholar Exhibition at Fortnum & Mason

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

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

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

Radical Jewellery Makeover

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

Silversmithing Graduate Apprenticeship Scholarships 2022-23

Call For Applications Silversmithing Graduate Apprenticeship Scholarships 2022-23 Following the success of our 2021-22 programme, the Trustees of the South House Workshop Trust are delighted to announce up to three fully funded Silversmithing Graduate Scholarships for 2022-23. These residential scholarships are being made available to accelerate the professional careers of promising silversmiths through four months of intensive training. The scholarships will give three silversmiths the opportunity to learn a variety of silversmithing skills in intensive residential placements with leading silversmiths Rod Kelly and Brett Payne and two further master makers, Angus McFadyen and Chris Perry. The training will take place

A launch weekend fit for a silversmith

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

2022 Annual Maker Needs Survey

Annual Maker Needs Survey Crafts Council The Crafts Council have released their  2022 Annual Maker Needs survey  and would love you to participate. Hearing direct from makers is invaluable to teh Crafts Council and will help inform their offer of support for artists, designers and makers at all stages of their careers; as well as being shared with other craft organisations to support the important work they offer the sector.  Prize Draw Five lucky entrants will be randomly selected to receive  The Design Trust  2023  Diary Planner  or  Journal planner   (worth £50), which includes 6 hours online business training and

A gift, an idea and some generosity

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

Tech Meets Tradition: AI and the Art of Jewellery

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

Tools Library Survey – Request for participation

Bishopsland Educational Trust has amassed an extensive collection of over 3,000 hand tools and machinery generously donated by retired silversmiths or as a legacy gifted by their families. As a result of these gifts, we have created the ‘Tools Library’ initiative under the auspices of the Bishopsland charity. The Tools Library will protect, preserve and pass on hand tools for future generations – to collect, curate and care for them. The intention is that acquired tools will be photographed, inventoried, 3D scanned with digital patterns, and categorised into skill set and use type. Short videos will be created showing tools

A History of Coronation Dress and Jewels

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

News Edit: 21 August 2022

Here is a round up of this week's international jewellery news...   Plans mooted for Jewellery Quarter incubator The Business Desk: The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) has commissioned research and an options appraisal for a potential Jewellery Quarter Incubator to support growth of the jewellery and other creative industries in the area. www.thebusinessdesk.com Watch: Thandie Dowery shares inspiration behind jewellery brand Nomi Handmade Biz Community: Local designer Thandie Dowery credits her mother as the driving force that inspired her to launch her successful jewellery brand Nomi Handmade in 2015. www.bizcommunity.com Jewellery Maker Pandora Goes Big on Lab-Made Diamonds With

The Platinum Jubilee Commission

The Platinum Jubilee Commission Application Calling All Silversmiths To mark the year of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh seek to commission a contemporary piece of Silverware for the table. The chosen piece of Silverware will become part of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths permanent collection. The Scottish Goldsmiths Trust are delighted to have been asked to assist The Incorporation in selecting a silversmith for the commission. The only stipulation of the design brief is that the commission must incorporate a prominent Edinburgh Assay Office feature hallmark, which must include The Queen’s

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

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

Making the Future + QEST: Call for Volunteers

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

Full Time / Part Time Jobbing Jeweller, Goldstraw - St Neots, Cambridgeshire

The role Full Time / Part Time Jobbing Jeweller Goldstraw St Neots, Cambridgeshire Goldstraws have been creating and repairing fine quality jewellery since 1981 Goldstraws Goldsmiths is a family-run goldsmith and jewellery shop established by Paul Goldstraw in 1981. For over 43 years, we’ve earned the trust of local people through quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. As St Neots’ longest-running High Street retailer, we’re incredibly proud to be in the town and grateful for our customer loyalty. As a retail jewellers we also have an in-house, fully equipped goldsmiths’ workshop. We undertake fine jewellery commissions alongside a comprehensive repair

A new home for silversmithing

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

Bishopsland Exhibition & Sale at Clothworkers' Hall, London

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

2023 Silversmithing Graduate Scholarships Announced

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

IGI Expressions Competition

IGI Expressions - A Global Design Competition IGI Expressions™ is an online jewelry design competition organized by IGI at a global level. Based on the concept of creative freedom, IGI is pleased to provide this platform where feelings can be conveyed in works of art. From birth, expression is the way we show love, anger, happiness, gratitude, pride, jealousy, honor, trust and more. IGI is pleased to invite the world’s artists to express their creativity through IGI Expressions™, where we encourage and celebrate excellence of talent. Renewal Renewal is a synonym for Regeneration & Rejuvenation. It is the change which defines

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

QEST Scholarship Applications

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) funds the education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, apprenticeships or one-on-one training with masters QEST was established to help support craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, at a critical stage in their careers and thus sustain traditional British craftsmanship. The charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, QEST was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Since then the Charity has awarded over £3.5 million to 442

Jacobs the Jewellers see record breaking Bishopsland awards

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

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

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

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

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

Crafts Council Launch Hardship Fund

Crafts Council Launch Hardship Fund The Craft Sector Hardship Fund will open at  11am on Wednesday 17 June Apply here The Crafts Council recognise this is an incredibly challenging time for makers and with generous support of  The Radcliffe Trust  they will be awarding 150 makers with a £500 bursary. They will award on a first come first served basis in order to get cash into makers hands as soon as possible. They are therefore relying on your integrity to only apply if you really need this help. Crafts sector hardship grant FAQs: Who is eligible? This grant is open

Silversmith Claire Malet completes National Museum Wales Commission

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

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications

Call for Applications QEST Scholarship Applications The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) funds the education of talented and aspiring craftspeople through traditional college courses, apprenticeships or one-on-one training with masters QEST was established to help support craftspeople of all ages and from all backgrounds, at a critical stage in their careers and thus sustain traditional British craftsmanship. The charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, QEST was established in 1990 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Association and the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Since then the Charity has awarded over £3.5 million to 442

Dazzling debut for Leopard Awards

A new campaign aimed at preserving British jewellery making traditions and nurturing new talent got off to a glittering start this week with the launch of the Leopard Awards, organised in conjunction with the Princes Trust, at the Goldsmiths' Hall in London. The guest list was packed with London's most sparkling celebrities, four of whom were lucky enough to leave with a cut diamond after sponsors De Beers donated four cushion cut diamonds from their Forevermark Black Label Collection. The prizes were awarded to the guests who were fortunate to find a gold star in the chocolate log desserts! Among

Privacy Policy

Thank you for visiting Benchpeg. This policy explains what information we receive from you when you visit our website and how we use it. When you use our site, you are agreeing to this policy. At Benchpeg, we are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the visitors to our website and subscribers to our newsletter. We want you to know that Benchpeg is not into selling, renting or trading email lists with other companies and businesses for marketing purposes, or playing fast and lose with data - we never have been and never will be. Here you’ll find

Endangered Crafts Award 2019

Call for Applications: Endangered Crafts Award 2019 The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA) is offering an award of £1,000 for a proposal to help secure the survival of an endangered craft.   The Endangered Crafts Award, which is funded by the Marsh Christian Trust, is to recognise a practitioner of one of the 62 crafts currently listed in the Critically Endangered or Endangered categories of the HCA Red List of Endangered Crafts. The award was made for the first time in 2018 to Steve Tomlin (SteveTomlinCrafts.co.uk), a spoon carver, ash basketmaker and scything tutor. Steve applied to learn to make Devon stave

Young Designer winners announced at Jacobs the Jewellers

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

Meet the Benchpeg Team

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

Endangered Craft Award 2017/18

Heritage Crafts Association launch the HCA/Marsh Endangered Craft Award 2017/18 The Heritage Crafts Association has launched a new Award of £1,000 with the kind support of Marsh Christian Trust. The HCA/Marsh Endangered Craft Award 2017/18 will be awarded to the proposal which in the opinion of the judges makes the best use of the funds to secure the survival of an Endangered or Critically Endangered Craft. The winner will be announced at the HCA’s annual conference “Crafts for the Future” on 24th March 2018 at the Royal Society of Medicine, London. For the purposes of the Award, eligible crafts are

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

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

Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition Returns

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

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

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

Edinburgh's Incorporation of Goldsmiths Host Ethical Symposium

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

Jewellery Ethics for the 21st Century - A Practical Workshop

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

Jeremy France Jewellers delights with glitz at The Odd Ball

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

Rebecca van Rooijen

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

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

Folli Follie Partner with Photoslurp

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

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

The Goldsmiths' Company's 'Young Designer Competition'

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