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Inventories of Living Heritage in the UK

Inventories of Living Heritage in the UK Your gateway to the vibrant traditions and social practices that tell our nation’s stories. This site celebrates our living heritage, as part of the UK’s commitment to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Whether you’re just discovering or keen to get involved, you’re in the right place. Expression of Interest For information about anything on this form, please see our  Guidance  and  Frequently Asked Questions . Please fill out this short form to express your interest in submitting an element of living heritage to the inventories of living

Heritage Skills Festival 2017

Witness the skills, celebrate the heritage, come and have a go! For the first time ever the City of London Livery Companies and Lincoln Cathedral are joining together to celebrate traditional crafts and skills essential to the preservation of the Cathedral and other ancient buildings as well as keeping heritage and skills alive. Come and see and have a go. Displays both inside the Cathedral and on the East Green. On the Saturday afternoon, there will be an auction of work produced during the event by the City of London Livery Companies. Dates 23 – 24 June 2017 Venue Lincoln

The Textures of Craft, Heritage Crafts Association Annual Conference

The Textures of Craft, Heritage Crafts Association Conference Kaffe Fassett, worldwide authority on textiles and colour, is keynote speaker at The Textures of Craft, the conference of the Heritage Crafts Association on Saturday 6th May 2017. Kaffe kicks off a spectacular day when craftspeople and anyone interested in the UK’s rich heritage of traditional skills can hear from makers, browse the Instant Gallery, celebrate the best craftspeople in the country and find out more about the Heritage Crafts Association’s research into endangered crafts: The Radcliffe Red List. Other speakers include archaeologist, historian and TV presenter Dr Alex Langlands, potters Lisa Hammond

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

The team behind the cult magazine Selvedge bring a curated collection of fifty merchants and makers to Burnley The exhibitors sell a range of rare vintage fabrics, covetable haberdashery and skilfully handmade textile treasures. The fair offers the perfect opportunity to meet makers, catch up with old friends and find that special something. The fair will take place at the  Pendle Heritage Centre , located in Park Hill which is an ancient textile settlement that goes back to medieval time. The centre, dedicated to studying and promoting this local heritage, is a former farmhouse built in the 17th century which also has

Selvedge Fair - Pendle Heritage Centre 2017

For the first time, the Selvedge Fair travels to Pendle in Lancashire, an area that is shaped by textiles. The fair is part of Fabrications, the UK's first festival that celebrates and explores textiles and the textile industry through the eyes of artists. The Selvedge Fair in Pendle will bring together a curated collection of makers and merchants and is an opportunity to meet makers, catch up with friends and find that special something. Visitors can also take part in one of the complimentary workshops, details below. The fair will take place in the 17th century Park Hill Barn at the Pendle Heritage Centre. Set within

Advancing sustainability in your craft practice with QEST & Heritage Crafts

Advancing sustainability in your craft practice with QEST & Heritage Crafts Learn how to incorporate sustainable practices into your craft with QEST and Heritage Crafts Tuesday 8 April 2025  12pm - 1pm Online Join QEST's first Zoom masterclass for 2025 where we will explore how you can practically enhance sustainability in your craft practice. Hosted by QEST and Heritage Crafts, we will be joined by guest speakers and winners of the 2024 QEST and Heritage Crafts Sustainability Award - glass artist Allister Malcolm and jeweller and metalworker Rachael Colley. Allister and Rachael will explore the ways they've reduced the environmental

The Cartier Jewellery Institute opens its doors for the 2024 European Heritage Days

Cartier Jewellery Institute Open Event 9th Arrondissement, Paris 21st - 22nd September 2024 On 21st and 22nd September 2024, the Cartier Jewellery Institute is opening its doors to the public for the third year running, honouring an exceptional event that is part of the European Heritage Days initiative supported by the French Ministry of Culture. Over 300 visitors will have the opportunity to discover Cartier’s exceptional jewellery craftsmanship and savoir-faire. In addition, for the 2024 edition of the event and for operation ‘Levez les yeux’ (Look up), created in partnership with the French Ministry of National Education, the Institute will

PRESS RELEASE: Farnham World Craft Town Welcomes HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to celebrate Craft, Heritage and Creativity

Farnham World Craft Town was honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KT KG GCVO to the town on Thursday 12 February 2026, marking a landmark moment in Farnham’s continuing journey as England’s first designated World Craft Town. The Duke is passionate about the arts and gives much of his time to organisations that enable young people to develop their skills. His Royal Highness spent the day learning more about the special role of craft in Farnham through visits to several organisations. Earlier in the day, The Duke visited University of the Creative Arts to learn about the blending

PRESS RELEASE: Milano Jewelry Week 2025: From Goldsmith Heritage To Visionary Projects

From October 16 to 20, more than 50 events, 350 exhibitors and 30 venues will bring the 2025 edition to life with a widespread and free program. “Milano Jewelry Week is much more than an exhibition: it is a journey that leads the public to discover the beauty of jewelry in all its forms. We wanted to create an event that fosters dialogue between tradition and avant-garde, established maisons and young talents, Milan and the world. In this way, the city becomes not only a showcase, but a living laboratory of creativity and innovation” says Enzo Carbone, CEO of Prodes

PRESS RELEASE: The Goldsmiths' Company and the Goldsmiths’ Centre call on government, industry, and educators to collaborate to revitalise the silver allied trades for future generations

Heritage Crafts has added the silver allied trades to its Red List of Endangered Crafts for the first time Heritage Crafts has added the silver allied trades to its Red List of Endangered Crafts for the first time. A 68% drop in Design & Technology GCSE entries over the past decade has contributed to a shortage of skilled workers, leaving UK businesses struggling to recruit and train craftspeople. Vital trades that support national heritage and economic identity could disappear.   The Goldsmiths’ Company and Goldsmiths’ Centre are urging government, industry, and educators to collaborate on funding, training pathways, apprenticeships, and public

Maker Relief Fund

Maker Relief Fund -  support for craftspeople   who need it most Many craftspeople are facing significant challenges in sustaining their practice, due to a combination of financial pressures and systemic marginalising factors. Heritage Crafts’ Maker Relief Fund is targeted at people facing financial hardship while striving to make their living as a professional craftsperson. It is based on the principles that: the best way to safeguard the UK’s intangible craft heritage is to support the individuals within whom that knowledge and skill resides; and such individuals are the best arbiters of their own need, deserve to be treated with

PRESS RELEASE: Craftsman with 50 years’ experience named Precious Metalworker of the Year

Somerset-based polisher Stephen M Goldsmith has won this year’s  Precious Metalworker of the Year Award , supported by The Royal Mint, including a £2,000 prize and trophy awarded at a special presentation at Wentworth Woodhouse this week (Monday 17 November). Heritage Crafts was set up 15 years ago as a national charity to support and safeguard heritage craft skills, and has become well known for its  Red List of Endangered Crafts , the first research of its kind to rank traditional crafts in the UK by the likelihood they will survive the next generation. The award, supported by  The Royal

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

Accelerator4Crafts Residency Programme

Accelerator4Crafts Residency Programme 🥁 Open Call: Accelerator4Crafts International Residencies 📍 Destinations: Iceland, Greece, Romania, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland & The Netherlands. 📅 Deadline: 13 March 2026 🚨 Up to 1900€ for travel and accomodation Open to craftspeople and creative entrepreneurs, the Tracks4Crafts residency programme Accelerator4Crafts Residency offers financial support for travel and accomodations for two-week placements. This initiative connects heritage with future-facing practice, creating a funded space for experimentation and exchange. Applicants may choose from eight pilot sites across Europe, each offering a distinct focus and working environment, on everything from heritage silk preservation to robotic 3D metal printing: 🐑 Icelandic

PRESS RELEASE: Craft skills remain under threat with 20 new additions to the UK’s Red List of Endangered Crafts

A stark warning has been issued for the future of traditional craft skills in the UK, as new research by Heritage Crafts has identified 20 more crafts at risk of vanishing from the UK, in the latest major update of its pioneering project – the Red List of Endangered Crafts – published today. The new additions join a list of 165 at-risk crafts now listed in the report.  Heritage Crafts’ research, which has been funded by The Pilgrim Trust with additional sponsorship from The Royal Mint, has found that rising operational costs, a lack of structured training, and mounting market

In Pursuit of Luxury (IPOL) Conference 2026: Time to Change

This is not another academic and industry gathering celebrating heritage and craftsmanship; it is an interrogation. Time to Change is a collaboration between Ravensbourne University London and Goldsmiths, University of London, and will be hosted across both institutions. Day One will take place at Ravensbourne, and Day Two will be held at Goldsmiths. IPOL Conference 2026 Time to Change confronts luxury at a moment of reckoning. This is not another academic and industry gathering celebrating heritage and craftsmanship; it is an interrogation. Building on IPOL 2025’s Honest Luxury, which exposed the exploitation, extraction, and ethical compromises behind luxury branded objects

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

London Craft Week

London Craft Week 2022 returns to its original spring slot, the eighth edition of the festival is taking place from 9 – 15 May this year. Visit the  Programme  page, and be one of the first to browse and book the exciting line-up of expertly-curated events taking place across the city. London Craft Week continues to champion creativity and ingenuity across a wide range of disciplines, from heritage craft skills to innovative new techniques and materials. www.londoncraftweek.com

Elements: A Festival of Gold and Silver in Scotland 2017

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull are delighted to confirm that Elements 3 will take place from 2 nd -5 th  November 2017 in the stunning showrooms of Lyon and Turnbull in Central Edinburgh. Elements is a 4-day festival of gold and silver in Edinburgh produced by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths and Lyon & Turnbull. The festival comprises an exhibition, a varied programme of events and a selling fair showcasing some of the UK’s most exquisite work in silver and jewellery. The Incorporation and Lyon & Turnbull have a heritage of producing, exhibiting and selling work at the

Masterpiece London 2017

Masterpiece London launched in 2010 with a unique focus on cross-collecting. Over the past seven years it has established itself as the leading international event for viewing and buying the finest works of art, from antiquity to the present day. This fusion of heritage and style, tradition and the contemporary draws close to 40,000 visitors each year for an exceptional week of cultural, culinary and social experiences in the heart of London. Located on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Masterpiece is an unmissable event at the height of the capital’s summer arts season. Dates 29th June -

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 22 - 26 February  2025 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) publishes State of the Nations Report

The Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) have published a report on the Creative Industries to interrogate 'persistent social inequalities in who produces and participates in arts, culture and heritage, and who gets the opportunity to work in the sector.' The State of the Nations report from the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (Creative PEC) uses census data to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of audiences and workforce. The insights shed light on where progress has been made on inclusion, and where significant inequalities and barriers still exist that require policy interventions. The analysis, using

Well FORMed – A new annual art festival for Cornwall

Well FORMed – A new annual art festival for Cornwall Falmouth 29 September to 1 October 2023 After a successful inaugural year in 2022, the directors of FORM have announced the dates for the second visual arts festival in Falmouth, Cornwall from 29 September – 1 October 2023. FORM was conceived to celebrate the contemporary arts and crafts heritage and vibrant creative culture of the area, and to provide a new platform for people at all stages in their creative journey. The highlight of FORM is a free to visit three-day Art Fair at the landmark Princess Pavilion with over

Goldsmith, Laings - Glasgow

Goldsmith  Laings Glasgow Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday Salary: Attractive package commensurate with experience Be part of our legacy that blends tradition, innovation and excellence at Laings. A long-standing symbol of quality, trust and timeless design, Laings has continued to invest in its future. With seven showrooms, we are proudly one of the largest independent family-owned fine jewellers and purveyors of luxury watches in the UK. We carry forward a tradition of excellence in craftsmanship, outstanding customer care and a deep-rooted heritage that anchors our Laings story. We are a family, a legacy and a community of passionate professionals

PRESS RELEASE: Plumpton College - A hands on Level 2 jewellery course based in technical and real world skills

At Plumpton College, the Level 2 Jewellery Making program (Level 2 NCFE Certificate in Creative Craft (Heritage & Traditional Crafts)) is a comprehensive and hands on curriculum that covers skills such as drawing, jewellery fabrication, design development, and TIG welding.  This well rounded approach ensures learners not only master the technical aspects of jewellery production but also develop a strong artistic foundation and the ability to communicate their ideas visually. Technical and Practical Mastery We have a strong emphasis on introducing technical and practical mastery from the very beginning of the jewellery making program. Students are encouraged to develop hands Bench

From Function to Fantasy: The Brooch

From Function to Fantasy: The Brooch 1st to 12th October 2025, 10:30am to 5pm Wartski, 60 St. James’s Street, London SW1A 1LE The exhibition will span the Bronze Age to the Contemporary, and include loans from museums including the V&A, the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Musée Lalique and the Schmuckmuseum, as well as the National Trust, English Heritage and the Goldsmiths’ Company.  The majority of the works will be drawn from private collections.   Brooches of wide ranging-inspirations and themes will be featured, as will Royal, French Imperial and Russian Imperial examples.  From Sarah Bernhardt to Suffragettes, Sir Edward Burne-Jones to Salvador

PRESS RELEASE: Bibi Van Der Velden Appointed House Jeweller Of Rosewood Amsterdam

We are delighted to announce that Bibi van der Velden has been appointed as the official House Jeweller of Rosewood Amsterdam. A New Chapter — House Jeweller of Rosewood Amsterdam As House Jeweller, Bibi enriches Rosewood Amsterdam’s Sense of Place® with bespoke creations and curated touchpoints that connect guests to the artistry and narrative of the city. Her distinctive designs, rooted in Dutch heritage, embody sophistication, curiosity and meticulous craftsmanship. For Bibi, Rosewood Amsterdam is a natural home, just steps from her atelier and flagship store, where her world of jewellery and storytelling comes to life in a setting that

EXCHANGE: A Dialogue in Jewellery

EXCHANGE: A Dialogue in Jewellery Opening Night & Award Ceremony – 21st May at 6 PM Window on Heritage, Reid Building, The Glasgow School of Art Exhibition Open: 22 May – 7 June 2025 An international showcase of student collaboration, Exchange: A Dialogue in Jewellery highlights the power of creative conversation and cross-cultural interpretation through contemporary jewellery. Exchange is a collaborative project between students from the Silversmithing and Jewellery department at The Glasgow School of Art and Liceo Artistico Pietro Selvatico in Italy. The project explores the creative exchange between students, pairing them to share personal influences and reinterpret them

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

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

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 21 - 25 February 2024 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

Valuer, Laings - Glasgow

Valuer Laings Glasgow Hours: 37.5 hours a week, 5 days out of 6, Monday to Saturday Salary: Up to 50K (experience dependent) Be part of our legacy that blends tradition, innovation and excellence at Laings. A long-standing symbol of quality, trust and timeless design, Laings has continued to invest in its future. With seven showrooms, we are proudly one of the largest independent family-owned fine jewellers and purveyors of luxury watches in the UK. We carry forward a tradition of excellence in craftsmanship, outstanding customer care and a deep-rooted heritage that anchors our Laings story. We are a family, a

Join FORGE as its Open House!

Discover how you can be part of our community, how to get involved and what opportunities there are for you. Have a look around and ask questions any time on Thursday 6th April between 11am - 4pm.  Register your attendance here , FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and affordable workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps

Genevieve Howard (IE), Graziano Visintin (IT) and Julia Walter (DE/NL) at Galerie Marzee

Three solo exhibitions by  Genevieve Howard  (IE),  Graziano Visintin  (IT) and  Julia Walter  (DE/NL)  are on display until 20 August at  Galerie Marzee .  Genevieve Howard's exhibition 'The Dawn Chorus' can be seen on the second floor of the gallery.  The Dawn Chorus is a multi-sensory exhibition that explores the relationship between nature, sound, and form, drawing on Genevieve’s Irish heritage and dual practice as a musician and visual artist. Inspired by the ephemeral beauty of early morning birdsong, the work transforms these sounds into sculptural jewellery that bridges the material and the emotional. Through a blend of traditional craftsmanship and

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair

The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) 22 - 26 February 2026 Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok The Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF) is among the leading international trade fairs for gemstones and jewelry. Hosted in the impressive Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, this biannual event reflects Thailand's esteemed position in the world of gemstones and jewelry. It's organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in collaboration with the Gems Jewelry Institute of Thailand (GIT). The fair not only provides a deep insight into Thailand's rich artisanal heritage but also reinforces Thailand's reputation as

JGAA Announces ‘Design Dynamic’: A Jewellery Competition For Africa

JGAA Announces ‘Design Dynamic’: A Jewellery Competition For Africa UK, Switzerland & South Africa The Jewellery and Gemstone Association of Africa (JGAA) is proud to announce the launch of its second major competition: The Design Dynamic JGAA extends an open call to Africans worldwide — and to all those of African heritage, including Afro-Brazilian, Afro-American, Afro-Caribbean, and other Afro-diasporic communities — to share their vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and future-forward African jewellery industry. This is a moment to reimagine tradition, celebrate identity, and shape a collective legacy through artistry and innovation. Presented in collaboration with exhibition hosts Africa Jewellery

PRESS RELEASE: Poiray Unveils Its Parisian Elegance Inside Printemps New York

True to its heritage of French luxury and timeless elegance, Maison Poiray is proud to announce its presence at Printemps New York, a strategic milestone in its international expansion. Founded in 1975, Poiray embodies a joyful, free-spirited, and multifaceted femininity. Instantly recognizable and irresistibly desirable, its fine jewelry and watch creations accompany women through every aspect of their lives. An echo of a gesture, a reflection of a mood, Poiray’s jewelry becomes a confidante. Each piece offers a delicate interplay of movement, color, and light. Inspired by Art Deco, Maison explores a supple, vibrant elegance that adapts seamlessly to the

Bishopsland Retrospective Exhibition & Awards

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

BeCraft exhibits at Eleven Steens

OBJECT SYNONYMS 24.02.2022 → 10.04.2022 The currents pass, evolve. Always, artists immerse themselves in what has been.  They reformulate, look differently, offer a "what seems" but which is no longer – or which is, different.  They rethink, recycle, divert, ennoble. This is where the power of contemporary applied arts lies.  Bathed in the – distant – roots of the functional, the artists free themselves from it or draw inspiration from it to perfect the world, to question it, to challenge it.  Through the diversity of materials, techniques, and the rich heritage of arts and crafts, it is a vast and constantly

PRESS RELEASE: Rudell The Jewellers Celebrates Their Annual Catalogue Launch at the Black Country Living Museum

Rudell The Jewellers marked the launch of their annual catalogue with a spectacular evening hosted The Black Country Living Museum - one of the region’s most treasured landmarks. Steeped in the industrial heritage that helped shape the West Midlands, the venue offered a meaningful backdrop for Rudells, whose own roots in the Black Country date back to 1938. The evening began at the entrance to The Black Country Living Museum, where guests gathered in anticipation before boarding a specially arranged vintage-style Black Country bus. Upon their journey through the museum’s atmospheric streets, the guests were welcomed into the historical Worker’s

FORGE Launch Event Showcase

FORGE Launch Exhibition 59 Leather Lane London EC1N 7TJ 9 - 23 February 2023 FORGE was born out of our founder’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and workspace to Artisans and future talent. Our motto is ‘enriching lives through creativity’ and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing but helps forge long lasting friendships and professional relationships too. There are over 100 jewellery shops in Hatton Garden, but FORGE isn’t just another jewellery shop – it’s a destination where

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

LAUNCH: Henry & Henry

Last week Benchpeg was invited along to the launch of Henry & Henry. It was a dank, dreary November Thursday, and yet the collections, launched amidst a Japanese inspired roof top terrace in Kensington were anything but. Henry & Henry is launched by Founder and Creative Director Jake Lewis, who’s eclectic experiences in design, antiquity and curios, based within retail, music and interiors has a pedigree in vision, modernity and heritage. A self proclaimed thoroughly British brand that obviously has its targets set on being the best it can possibly be made evident by the stunning collections which were on

Appointment: James Rice as new Houlden Director

Luxury jewellery consortium, the Houlden Group, have announced the appointment of James Rice as the latest Director to join the board. Currently Sales & Marketing Director of Hull based Hugh Rice, a luxury family-run jeweller founded in 1965 which has since expanded from Hull and Beverley, throughout Yorkshire and into the North East, James’s irrefutable heritage and knowledge of the modern-day workings of a successful retail jewellery empire makes him an invaluable asset to the Houlden board. While attending university in Lancaster, James worked in-store at Hugh Rice, covering roles in Procurement, Stock Replenishment and Sales Tracking. He joined the

Crafts for the Future Conference

Crafts for the Future  The Heritage Crafts Association is pleased to announce that booking for the 2018 conference, Crafts for the Future, is now open.  Keynote speakers this year will be HCA Patron and ceramics producer, Emma Bridgewater and Sam Walton from Hole & Corner magazine, a bi-annual print magazine devoted to celebrating craft, beauty, passion and skill. In the afternoon session, makers from the critically endangered category of The HCA/Radcliffe Red List of Endangered Crafts will be addressing the audience. Martin Frost, fore-edge painter Kate Hetherington, horse collar maker Wim Visscher, parchmenter JoJo Wood, apprentice clog maker and wood

Q&A: Robert Organ

Robert Organ is the Deputy Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Assay Office in London. Robert, of Welsh heritage, hails from Gwent. He gained a degree in Natural Sciences and a PhD from Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge.  He joined the Assay Office London as Superintendent Assayer in 2000, and has been responsible, over the seventeen years of his tenure, for the introduction of new technologies such as laser marking and XRF machines within the modern day assaying process, as well as the introduction of sub-assay offices. He also played an active part in the successful lobbying for the exclusion of

Cancelled - International Jewellery London 2020

Cancelled - International Jewellery London 2020 13 - 15 September 2020 Alexandra Palace, London IJL, the UK’s Leading Jewellery Trade Event, will take place from Sunday 13 – Tuesday 15 September, 2020, at a new London venue, the historic Alexandra Palace. Alexandra Palace is one of the UK’s most renowned and historic exhibition spaces, whose heritage and style evoke the jewellery industry it will showcase. Set in beautiful parkland, only 10 minutes north of Kings Cross, Alexandra Palace has long been a beacon for domestic and international visitors for concerts, events and exhibitions during its 146 years. In the last

Appointment: Lizzie McAuley joins Board of Houlden Group

Luxury jewellery consortium, the Houlden Group, have announced the appointment of Lizzie McAuley as the latest Director to join the Board. As a Director of Bedford based Baker Brothers Diamonds – the luxury family-run jeweller of merit founded in 1839 - Lizzie’s rich heritage and wealth of knowledge in the diamond trade makes her an invaluable asset to the Board. After a varied career in Buying for designer and supermarket brands such as Hugo Boss and Tesco, Lizzie joined Baker Brothers after her Father became ill, moving rapidly through an intense programme of training and completed her diamond grading, gemmology

Best of Britannia London 2017

Best of Britannia London - The Home of Great British Makers Best of Britannia, the unique showcase for British brands, is proud to announce that its annual London trade and consumer event will take place on Thursday October 12th and Friday October 13th 2017.   Launched in 2012, Best of Britannia is a celebration of all that is beautifully made in the UK. From British heritage products to exciting new innovations, the annual London exhibition is the perfect opportunity to reach trade and consumer customers who care about quality, provenance and sustainability and want to purchase high quality products made

West Dean Arts and Craft Festival 2017

2017 West Dean Arts and Craft Festival brings together 200+ artists, makers, writers and performers for the UK’s definitive arts and craft festival. Taking place at West Dean College, the former home and gardens of Edward James, poet, Surrealist and arts patron, the festival will deliver a wide range of dynamic workshops, drop-in creative sessions as well as exciting live demonstration, performances and installations. Browse and buy unique pieces from 120 designers and makers, curated by MADE, and visit the dedicated Print Show. Visitors will discover the secrets of West Dean House, with itsintriguing arts heritage, along with the surrounding

Danish Design, Spotlight Exhibition, Woldstone Gallery - Woodstock, Oxfordshire

This month the Woldstone Gallery launches the first of its ‘Spotlight’ exhibitions, highlighting exceptional jewellery and silverware by 21st century studio goldsmiths and silversmiths. Woldstone will showcase jewellery and silverware by over twenty contemporary British and European goldsmiths; many award–winning. The Woldstone ‘Spotlight’ series of temporary exhibitions enables the gallery to introduce new designers and show a wider body of work by designers they represent on a permanent basis. “Danish Design” In November, Woldstone spotlights “Danish Design” and features the work of Tina Engell and Mikala Djorup. While this duo of talented contemporary goldsmiths share a common heritage; they both

Carmarthen School of Art - Coleg Sir Gâr

Established in 1965, the Foundation programme at  Carmarthen  has a national reputation for excellence. It offers learners the opportunity to explore a diverse range of  art  and design options to enable them, through experience, to make an informed choice about future education, training and employment progression.   HERITAGE Carmarthen School of Art has been providing Art education since 1854, being one of the first Art Schools set up in Britain following the Great Exhibition in Crystal Palace in London. The School has been continually evolving ever since, responding to social, creative and cultural developments and the changing needs of its

PRESS RELEASE: For Sea Dreamers and Coastal Wanderers

Dainty London, the award-winning sustainable jewellery brand founded by former NHS Children's Heart Transplant Specialist Jade, today announces a revolutionary brand evolution that positions the company as the pioneer of "Coastal Luxury" – a new jewellery category that bridges Cornwall's untamed maritime heritage with London's sophisticated craftsmanship. The brand's new positioning, " For Sea Dreamers and Coastal Wanderers, " speaks directly to modern professionals who maintain their connection to the ocean while navigating urban success. This evolution comes as Dainty London continues its remarkable growth trajectory, with celebrity endorsements including Kylie Minogue's Oscars appearance and features in British Vogue, Tatler,

PRESS RELEASE: British jewellery house Dainty London unveils its latest masterpiece

British jewellery house Dainty London  unveils its latest masterpiece – The Lyra Baroque Pearl Earrings. These 3.5cm statement pieces represent the perfect fusion of astronomical wonder and coastal heritage, continuing the brand's commitment to sustainable luxury and storytelling through design. Named after the celestial constellation of the ancient Greek Lyre, these striking earrings merge mythological inspiration with Dainty London's signature maritime aesthetic. Each earring features a luminous 25mm ivory baroque pearl complemented by sparkling white topaz accents, all set against a meticulously crafted barnacle-textured recycled sterling silver surface. "The Lyra Earrings embody our passion for connecting celestial beauty with coastal

London Craft Week 2023

London Craft Week 2020 8 - 14 May 2023 London Craft Week celebrates outstanding British and international creativity.  Building on the success of last year’s first International Pavilions, London Craft Week 2023 presents its broadest international programme yet with four Pavilions and a whole host of global events taking place across the city. Through a rich programme of exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and open studios, LCW 2023 delves deep into heritage crafts, classic designs and contemporary art from nations as diverse as Afghanistan, Hungary, Denmark and Korea.  www.londoncraftweek.com Contact London Craft Week 78 Duke Street London W1K 6JQ info@londoncraftweek.com  www.londoncraftweek.com

The Invitation of Victor H.

The Invitation of Victor H. 10 October 2019 - 15 March 2020 BeCraft Gallery, Belgium A timeless creative parenthesis, a dialogue between Belgian architectural heritage and contemporary applied arts, the fruit of Victor Horta. How to take inspiration from Victor Horta without doing "Victor Horta"? BeCraft's artists take a contemporary look at the Belgian architect's unmissable work, which carries with it a major artistic movement of modern art . His personal home and studio, features of Art Nouveau at its peak, have been widely preserved his creations. What to impress but also to inspire contemporary artists, because working in the wake of Horta is in itself