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Grant Macdonald – International Silversmith

Grant Macdonald – International Silversmith Goldsmiths' Hall, London This glittering exhibition features exquisite gold and silver items of superlative design and craftsmanship from a leading London-based silversmith and represents decades of international export success and national achievement. The Goldsmiths’ Company is proud to present Grant Macdonald – International Silversmith, an exhibition celebrating five decades of elegant modern design and excellent craftmanship fuelled by the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of silversmith Grant Macdonald. This major exhibition brings together stunning silver and gold objects designed by Macdonald to tell the inspiring story of the exceptional British craftsmanship and innovative design that

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope

The Scottish Silversmith Adrian Hope Adrian Hope is one of the UK’s finest contemporary silversmiths who specialises in refined, traditional techniques. An established silversmith since 1980, now based in The Scottish Borders, Adrian creates beautiful, classic pieces that are both sculptural and functional. Public Collections include: National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh; Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Aberdeen; The Museum of Edinburgh; Bute House Collection, Edinburgh; Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, London; Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Glasgow; Incorporation of Goldsmiths, Edinburgh Exhibition Run 6 January - 3 February 2018 Venue The Scottish Gallery, 16 Dundas St, Edinburgh

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2018

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner The Silversmith and Jewellers charity would like to invite all jewellery trade members to this prestigious event. 4 course dinner with wine. Guest speaker is comedian Ian Irving, one of the most popular and sought-after entertainers on the circuit! Last spaces are being filled now! Hurry up and grab your ticket. Date 30th Nov 2018 Venue The RAC Pall Mall, London Tickets £140 To Book Email or call Julie for tickets: julie@thesjcharity.co.uk 020 8265 9288

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,

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2019

The Silversmith and Jewellery Charity Dinner 2019 29th November 2019 The RAC Pall Mall, London The Silversmiths & Jewellers charity dinner is one of the highlights of the industry calendar and raises funds for those who previously worked in the jewellery industry, who have fallen on hard times. The guest entertainment for this year is the amazing magician Jamie Raven, who was a runner up on Britain’s Got Talent. If you or any of your team would like a ticket, please don’t hesitate to on the details below. The charity is also have advertising space available in their brochure for

Popular Demand Extends Silversmith Exhibition

The blockbuster summer exhibition at the Goldsmiths’ Company - Grant Macdonald: International Silversmith has had an extension to its opening hours due to popular demand and visitor footfall. The exhibition documents five decades of Grant Macdonald design and excellence of craftmanship displaying the unique creativity, execution and entrepreneurism of the London based silversmithing house. Featuring an unrivalled quality of gold and silver items in contemporary designs and showcasing master craftsmanship to the highest order, the exhibition will now be open from Monday to Saturday from 5 July to the end of the exhibition run 26 July. This major exhibition documents

Trainee / Junior Silversmith, Grant Macdonald - London

The role Trainee / Junior Silversmith Grant Macdonald London SE1 Grant Macdonald is a high-end silversmithing manufacturer. We are market leaders in our specialised field and our global customer base ensures we produce a wide range of fascinating products.  An opportunity has arisen to join our expanding silversmithing team in our central London workshop. We are currently looking for a talented junior silversmith/trainee to join the team. The chosen candidate needs to be a hardworking, enthusiastic craftsperson who is looking to expand their skills and grow as a silversmith at a prestigious London workshop. About the job 5 days a week Traditional

‘Masterpiece’ Stolen From Master Silversmith

Wayne Meeten has described himself as “totally devastated” at the loss of his prize winning Mokume Gane silverware piece. The piece, a solid silver truffles container, was stolen from his workshop and was stored in a 9” wooden box at the time. The inspiration for the piece came on a trip to the Grand Canyon, which formed the basis of the silverware vessel design. It went on to win the Grand Prize Saul Bell International Craft Award 2011. Tessa Murdoch, Acting Keeper Department of Sculpture Metalwork, Ceramics and Glass at the V&A called the work a “Masterpiece”. The piece of

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

Obituary: Graham Stewart 1955 - 2020

Silversmith Graham Leishman Stewart, who has died in Edinburgh on Wednesday 28 October aged 65, was a talented master craftsman who remained humble about his achievements and his skill. His most recognisable work, Three Honours of Scotland, remains on display in the Main Hall of the Scottish Parliament. We publish two obituaries of our friend and colleague: Obituary: Graham Stewart, Scottish silversmith whose work graces Holyrood parliament building Graham Leishman Stewart, silversmith. Born: July 10 1955 in Bridge of Allan. Died: October 28 2020, aged 65. www.scotsman.com Appreciation: Graham Leishman Stewart- 1955-2020, Silversmith Graham Stewart, who died in Edinburgh on

Benchpeg catches up with Karin Paynter

As part of our lockdown chats series, this week Benchpeg catches up with Karin Paynter. Its a long one, but worth a listen, as we go through Karin's career, and the skill sets she developed intentionally and unintentionally along the way. Karin is an Independent Consultant, the Strategic Lead for Contemporary British Silversmiths and the Creative Director of ERA5050, a campaign for gender balance on British Stage and Screen. [youtube url=http://youtu.be/O0qcGGd67C0] She’s also a Medway trained Jeweller and Silversmith, with an MA from the Royal College of Art, is an award winning Silversmith in her own right, has

Randox Grand National 2021 trophy pays tribute to COVID pandemic key workers

The headline sponsor of the Randox Grand National has unveiled the trophy for the 2021 event with a tribute to key workers of the COVID-19 pandemic design and made by female silversmith Cara Murphy, the trophy was presented to the first female jockey winner of the Grand National on Saturday. Shown to the public for the first time on Saturday 3 April during ITV Racing’s Opening Show, the 2021 trophy has been designed for the second year by Silversmith Cara Murphy from Northern Ireland. The unique design of the silver and gold trophy, which includes illustrations of the COVID-19 virus on

Wayne Meeten wins another Gold at the #JewelleryOscars

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten picked up another gong at the #JewelleryOscars, the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Awards, this month. Meeten’s piece, ‘Spirit of Energy’ took Gold in the three dimensional finished piece category. The work was a commission made for a client “who was having a house built in the West Country, in Devon by the Estuary. It was designed to be placed under their new glass staircase.” The silversmith said. The  client’s design brief was to design a centre piece with the wonders of the sun as its reference. My client chose their building plot, what will eventually

Miniaturist Vicki Ambrey Smith creates commission steeped in rich history

Vicki Ambrey Smith, the renowned miniaturist silversmith, has revealed her latest commissioned piece to Benchpeg. The extraordinary commission came about through her last showing at Goldsmiths' Fair last autumn, where she met a client who is a collector of very rare books. The client owns a particularly rare volume, which was written in Amsterdam in 1650 by Menasseh Ben Israel.  The text is part of petition written to Oliver Cromwell seeking readmission for the Jews to return to England. The silversmith fills us in and states  “They were banished from  England by King John in 1291.”  Ambrey Smith was asked

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving in London with  The Hand Engravers Association 3 Day Intensive Course Friday 9 - Sunday 11 November at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP  The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving in London with  The Hand Engravers Association Wednesday 5 September for 6 weeeks at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP  The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is kept to just eight

Learn Hand Engraving in London with the Hand Engravers Association

Three Day Intensive Course Learn Hand Engraving in London with  The Hand Engravers Association 5 - 7 March at Cockpit Arts, Cockpit Yard, London WC1N 2NP  The Hand Engravers Association has been running the popular ‘Hand Engraving: Basic Principals’ short courses for many years. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional engraver Wayne Parrott and engraver and silversmith Angus McFadyen, the class size is kept to

Grant Macdonald Exhibition opens at Goldsmiths Hall

The lifetime achievement thus far of silversmith Grant Macdonald has been documented by way of a summer blockbuster exhibition at the traditional home of Gold and Silversmiths – Goldsmiths’ Hall. The exhibition opened with a private view for an array of clients and industry colleagues at the Hall in April. This exhibition of work celebrates five decades of the finest craftsmanship and explores the extraordinary creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of this London silversmith.  The exhibition tells the story of Grant Macdonald's life and work by displaying some of the many remarkable pieces that have been made over the years on

Appointment: Andrew Putland Announced as New Chairman of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) has appointed a new Chairman for the next two years – renowned British silversmith Andrew Putland. Taking over from retiring Chairman Jos Skeates, Putland is looking forward to immersing himself in the role, continuing the Council’s excellent collective work to extend the reach, profile and effectiveness of its annual competition, The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards. Putland also plans to launch an online Centenary Book celebrating the Awards’ 100 year in 2018. With almost 40 years’ experience as a silversmith and goldsmith, Andrew Putland, fondly known as Andy, is a highly-experienced and

New collaboration to preserve high end silversmithing skills

Endangered silversmith skills may have a brighter, stronger future after Contemporary British Silversmiths and the Goldsmiths’ Centre joined forces to create a programme to promote the sharing of more traditional skills that are fast fading in in modern day manufacturing.   First training collaboration for Goldsmith's Centre aimed at protecting silversmith The idea behind the collaboration is to preserve the more complex skills such as box making, raising, forging, chasing and hand engraving and according to Rauni Higson, who heads up the CBS Skills Training Programme subcommittee, the programme was 'developed by silversmiths for silversmiths.' “The CBS Skills Training Programme

Metal Scapes - Studio Fusion Gallery, London

Metal Scapes  will open for London Craft Week, featuring works by fine jeweller Daphne Krinos alongside silversmith and jeweller Tamar de Vries Winter and silversmith Rebecca de Quin . Curated by Brian Kennedy and hosted by Studio Fusion Gallery , beneath the Oxo Tower, the exhibition presents 'landscapes of metal' from the handcrafted jewellery and silverware by the three designers; using, exploring and reflecting the architectural themes of the work. Daphne presents pieces from her City Series and unveils new compositions inspired by cityscapes and architectural forms. Metal Scapes Dates 5 - 7 May 2017 Open 11.00am - 6.00pm Venue

The Allure of Silver: Past and Present - JASSO

The Allure of Silver: Past and Present - JASSO, The Jewellery and Silver Society of Oxford JASSO, the Jewellery and Silver Society Oxford are hosting an exhibition of jewellery and silver at The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock by society members. Items in the exhibition will be for sale. JASSO is a not-for-profit organisation and all committee give their time for free. The exhibition aims to promote understanding of making, and to provide visitors with a basic understanding of the steps and processes behind the work of the jeweller and silversmith. Dates: 22 October – 6 November 2016 Venue: The Oxfordshire

‘Exceptional’ Silver Goblet Inspired by Seas and Coastlines Joins Prestigious Collection

Incorporation of Goldsmiths award winner’s work shows off Scotland as a home for world-class silversmithing. A young Glasgow-based silversmith is this year’s winner of a unique award where the prize is the chance to create a spectacular handmade goblet – which becomes part of a highly prestigious collection. Caius Bearder (23), left Guernsey to study at Glasgow School of Art, falling in love with the city and the country, and has now been named The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh’s Outstanding Student of the Year. The title is highly prestigious – with the heads of Scotland’s four

King Charles III visits the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell

The King hand struck the King’s Mark onto a Processional Cross for the Church in Wales made by silversmith and master craftsman Michael Lloyd during a visit to the Goldsmiths' Centre. The Cross was commissioned by The Goldsmiths’ Company on behalf of The former Prince of Wales (now The King,) as a gift for the Church in Wales. His Majesty King Charles III has been helping to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Goldsmiths’ Centre today (23 November), by visiting trainees and apprentices at its workshops and exhibition space near Hatton Garden, London’s famous jewellery quarter. The King

Master Craftsman urges industry colleagues to re-check gas safety

Internationally renowned silversmith Wayne Meeten has urged his fellow craftsmen to take care and re-check their workshop gas set up after he experienced a devastating explosion in his studio. The experienced craftsman, who a multi award winning, was  severely injured in his studio from a faulty regulator that was brand new. Hes said exclusively to Benchpeg: "I had know idea it was faulty regulator, as it was brand new. The technician at the store gave me wrong type. I had bought a complete new system and had it put together by a team of specialists. One did the compressor, one

Jocelyn Burton 1946 - 2020

Sara Jocelyn Margarita Elissa Burton (10 January 1946 - 5 April 2020) was an award-winning British silver and goldsmith. Burton was the first woman to receive the City and Guilds of London Institute top award, the Prince Philip Medal. Jocelyn Burton, 74: Effervescent silversmith and a first freewoman The Times: When in 1974 Jocelyn Burton became the first female freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths the certificate that she was handed had to have the words “son of” Roland Burton crossed out in ink, to be replaced with “daughter of”. A determined figure, Jocelyn spent a large part of

Richard Fox takes office in a challenging year as 'Trade' Prime Warden

The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to announce that Richard Fox, Managing Director of Fox Silver, has taken office as Prime Warden, in succession to Dr Timothy Schroder. With a background in silversmithing, design and business leadership, Richard has successfully created beautiful silverware for the likes of Formula One and Rolls Royce for almost four decades. His primary focus will be championing the trade of silversmiths, jewellers and allied industries during his year in office. Richard’s distiguished career as a silversmith started as an extra-curriclar activity at school, but soon became “an all-consuming passion”. After gaining a Master’s degree in design

Sarah Hutchison creates new pre-loved market for contemporary handmade jewellery

Sarah Hutchison creates new pre-loved market for contemporary handmade jewellery with SH Chance to Sparkle using Insta. Sarah Hutchison’s career as a well known silversmith and jeweller pivoted 12 years ago when she opened her own contemporary jewellery gallery in Edinburgh's Morningside. The stylish boutique come gallery showcases the work of over 40 different makers and has a loyal following of clientele. Sarah uses the shop to also sell her own work, she launched a new collection in the Spring, and very recently added a thriving ecommerce website to the mix to facilate sales and spread the gallery’s reach further than

Contemporary British Silversmiths launch skill share films

The Contemporary British Silversmiths have launched a skills share initiative where members will be sharing some of the skills that have been passed onto them by other craftspeople throughout their career. The Contemporary British Silversmiths has a long history of community and skills sharing - peer to peer learning is one of the organisation’s founding principles. The first skill share is from Rauni Higson, and shows master silversmith Tony Bedford demonstrating how to solder a wire rim onto a flared vase. Tony agreed to answer any questions on the CBS Instagram page on the video post when it was launched [youtube CBS

Simone ten Hompel to discuss Glenmorangie Commission

Silversmith Simone ten Hompel will discuss her major commission for the National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company to create a new piece of contemporary metal artwork inspired by the museum’s early medieval collections. Regarded as one of the most inventive metalsmiths of her generation, of international repute, and one of Britain’s most critically acclaimed craft artists, Simone ten Hompel is one of the foremost metal practitioners in the UK. Working within this medium for over 40 years, she is known for her metalwork and sculptures that subvert our ideas of domesticity and navigate the metaphorical depth of everyday vessels [youtube

Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Simone ten Hompel

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

New Designers: winners of the Goldsmiths’ Company awards announced

New Designers, a platform promoting new creative talent from graduates, has announced the 2020 recipients of the Goldsmiths’ Company awards for jewellery and silversmithing. The winners are jeweller Coco Liang from Birmingham City University and silversmith Yitong Shang from the Glasgow School of Art. This year, the competition was held digitally with students encouraged to submit design ideas online. Centred on the theme of ‘community’, competition submissions needed to be ‘highly creative, thought-provoking, and capable of triggering discussion and debate’. Coco Liang’s ‘CONNECT brooch’ was named the winner of the Goldsmiths’ Company Jewellery Award. Coco commented:  “The brooch was inspired

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

Incorporation of Goldsmiths Platinum Jubilee Commission Recipient Announced

The Incorporation of Goldsmiths is pleased to announce the recipient of the Platinum Jubilee Commission, Silversmith Rod Kelly MA (RCA). Rod’s design,  The Four Nations Platinum Vase , will be made in silver and incorporate four sides of low-relief chasing, with each side dedicated to the flowers of the Four Nations that make up the United Kingdom. The vase will make a prominent feature of the Edinburgh Hallmark and the celebratory Platinum Jubilee mark, which is being applied during 2022 by all UK Assay Offices to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee. Rod’s design,  The Four Nations Platinum Vase , will

Help Alan Craxford fulfil his final project

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

Corrugation & Microfolding with Jill Leventon

Corrugation & Microfolding with Jill Leventon 10am - 4pm, Saturday, 8 October 2022 Central Scotland School of Jewellery Dunblane, Scotland Join Silversmith Jill Leventon for a day of structural and textural metalworking. By adding small undulations or corrugations to our metal we will add strength and texture to thin sheets of metal, allow us to work in a sculptural yet economic way. Using simple hand tools and a corrugating roller add pleats, folds, and smocking to your designs, or create lightweight hollow bead forms. For makers who are exploring more environmentally sustainable skills this workshop is perfect. Larger, sculptural pieces

Learn Hand Engraving in Manchester

Learn Hand Engraving in Manchester Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 October 2019 Hot Bed Press Printmakers’ Studio, Manchester The Hand Engravers Association has been running short courses for many years and we are thrilled to announce our first course away from London – in the creative surrounds of the Hot Bed Press Printmakers’ Studio in Manchester. Whether you are a complete metalsmith beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Introduction for Beginners' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving on metal. Taught by professional

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

Illuminating Silver, Rauni Higson

Rauni Higson - Illuminating Silver Alchemy in the 21st Century Solo exhibition at Craft in the Bay, Cardiff 9 September to 29 October 2023 Craft in the Bay, Cardiff Rauni Higson announces her first solo exhibition at Craft in the Bay, the Gallery of the Makers’ Guild in Wales, in Cardiff in September 2023. Supported by Arts Council Wales, the exhibition, entitled ‘Illuminating Silver’ will be an insightful glimpse into the process and practice of one of the UK’s leading sculptural silversmiths, Qest scholar and multi-award winning craftswoman. The exhibition will take visitors through the journey of a silversmith, told

Shannon O’Neill creates DNA double helix silverware for Grand National Trophy

Silversmith Shannon O’Neill was commissioned for a third consecutive year to create the ‘Randox Health Grand National Trophy’. The commission brief was to design something ‘very different from last year’. Inspiration came from the sponsors of the event Randox, who wanted the trophy to showcase their most recent breakthroughs in health care: heart disease, Alzheimers, stroke and dairy screening. The  preventative healthcare company and the emphasis on saving and extending lives allowed O’Neill to focus on optimum health. “Choosing the theme of ‘Celebration’ and based on the classic ‘coupes’ style champagne glass, the top bowl of the Trophy has a

Reaching For Red @ Mobilia Gallery

Reaching For Red @ Mobilia Gallery Mobilia Gallery 18th May  - 21st June 2019 "Trained as a silversmith in Germany and having spent several years constructing tableware, my approach to jewelry making is informed foremost by the European tradition of applied art. I limit myself to creating jewelry that is wearable and also, to a big degree, to the materials traditionally perceived as precious. Within these limitations I am trying to develop my own language, hoping to be able to not only communicate my own sensibilities but also a sense of contemporary aesthetique." Exhibition Dates 18th May  - 21st June 2019

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox 18/19th March  & 28/29th April  Coburg House Studios, Edinburgh Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repousse - where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery & silversmithing repertoire.... Inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow style in this 150 anniversary year of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? About the Course The course will be 2 days long, over a weekend and 10-5pm each day. @ £90 per person per day and £20 for

Appointment: Monika Kamycka Appointed Vice-Chair of The British Society of Enamellers

The British Society of Enamellers (BSOE) has appointed a new Vice-Chair, Silversmith and Enameller Monika Kamycka, owner of contemporary fine jewellery brand, Mona Pink. The BSOE will be announcing further changes to its Board over the coming months, with Monika joining the senior leadership team, focused on the continued promotion of British Enamelling excellence across the UK and beyond. Commenting on her appointment, Monika said: “I’m pleased and proud to have been appointed as Vice-Chair, just a couple of months after having joined the Board as a committee member at the March AGM. I was very motivated to join the

Jordanian husband and wife duo, Elham and Issa, open new showroom in London

Born from a 10 year love story, Elham & Issa Jewellery is the work of a passionate couple creating eclectic fine jewellery. Originally from Jordan, visionary husband and wife Issa Sabeh and Elham Kalaji illustrate their romantic and refined aesthetic through their unique collections which blend culture, emotion, and craft.   Along with a shared cultural heritage, Elham and Issa are dedicated artists. As one of the first women in Jordan to become a goldsmith and silversmith, Elham has broken gender barriers and exceled in a male dominated industry in creating “wearable art”. She says: “Jewellery has always been a passion

Stuart Devlin AO CMG 1931 - 2018

Stuart Devlin, the internationally renowned designer, silversmith, jeweller, sculptor, furniture, interiors and architecture designer and previous Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, has died on 12 April 2018 at the age of 86 in Chichester. “I hope that my work reflects four maxims: That future is much more important than the past That creativity is paramount That skill is fundamental And that the justification for being a goldsmith is to enrich the way people live and work.” -  Stuart Devlin Devlin, an Australian by birth, became renowned as a contemporary designer of coins, medals and design led precious metal work

Q&A: Grant Macdonald

Grant Macdonald is an esteemed silversmith of international repute. He began his career in precious metals at the age of 14, he attended a pre apprentice course at the Central School of Arts and Crafts finally graduating from Sir John Cass School of Art. The Grant Macdonald business was established in 1969 and became a limited company in 1977. The business is still thriving and has had is base in Bear Lane, London for some 41 years. Over a career spanning some 50 years the Grant Macdonald brand has worked in every aspect of the trade to the heightened areas

Acts of Resistance by Marianne Forrest

Acts of Resistance by Marianne Forrest The Vittoria Street Gallery is delighted to host Acts of Resistance a solo exhibition by Marianne Forrest, watchmaker and creator of sculptural timepieces for urban spaces. As the seasons changes and the clocks turn back for the autumn equinox this timely exhibition showcases Marianne’s lifelong obsession with time. During her career as a master silversmith she has not only made machines and timepieces to tell the time but has also examined the idea of time through processes used in drawing and making. Timepieces on display will include watches that wear away with time, pocket

Clothworkers' Hall to Play Host to Two Prestigious Silversmiths in a Live Demonstration and Meet the Maker Event, as part of London Craft Week

The Clothworkers' Company will the doors to it's prestigous hall to the public in May, in an event that provides a rare opportunity to watch Silversmiths' at work.  The event will take place as part of London Craft Week, an initiative that started in 2015, where iconic buildings, institutions and smaller venues accross the City host craft-based events for the public. In keeping with this spirit, Clothworkers’ Hall will open it's doors, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see inside one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. The Clothworkers' Company are hosting two Silversmith's from

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox

Chasing & Repousse Masterclass with Bryony Knox 18/19th March  & 28/29th April  Coburg House Studios, Edinburgh Silversmith Bryony Knox teaches the ancient art of Chasing & Repousse - where sheet metal is formed and embossed using small steel tools, whilst held in pine pitch.  Are you tempted to add this adaptable skill to your jewellery & silversmithing repertoire.... Inspired by the stunning metalwork of the Glasgow style in this 150 anniversary year of Charles Rennie Mackintosh? About the Course The course will be 2 days long, over a weekend and 10-5pm each day. @ £90 per person per day and £20 for

Stuart Devlin AO CMG 1931 - 2018

Stuart Devlin, the internationally renowned designer, silversmith, jeweller, sculptor, furniture, interiors and architecture designer and previous Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, has died on 12 April 2018 at the age of 86 in Chichester. “I hope that my work reflects four maxims: That future is much more important than the past That creativity is paramount That skill is fundamental And that the justification for being a goldsmith is to enrich the way people live and work.” -  Stuart Devlin Devlin, an Australian by birth, became renowned as a contemporary designer of coins, medals and design led precious metal work

Shannon O’Neill Designs 2018 Randox Health Grand National Trophy

The Grand National has been part of the British landscape since the 1830s and attracts world-leading jockeys with their eye on the glittering trophy. Designed by celebrated silversmith, Shannon O’Neill, this year’s trophy was conceived in her studio, a former stable, in the grounds of Burghley House in Stamford. Its subtle details perfectly tell the story of the greatest horse race in the world and the preventative healthcare innovations of the principal sponsor, Randox Health. This is the second year running that Shannon has been awarded this prestigious commission after Randox representatives saw her work on display at The Goldsmiths’

Learn Hand Engraving with the Hand Engravers Association

Learn Hand Engraving with The Hand Engravers Association The Hand Engravers Association has been running these popular courses for many years and is delighted to announce its first course at the Goldsmiths’ Centre this autumn. Whether you are a complete beginner or a professional jeweller or silversmith looking to diversify your skills - the 'Hand Engraving: Basic Principals' courses are an in depth introduction to the techniques and tools of hand engraving. Taught by award winning tutor Wayne Parrott, the class size is kept to just eight students and run over six evenings so students have time to practice and

Ambitious designer Ruth Mary releases four collections for SS19

Young designer Ruth Mary has been making waves in the jewellery industry of late. Just this year, she was chosen as one of six international jewellery London Kickstarter winners, featured in the Guardian as one of its ‘Top 100 Businesses’ and shortlisted for Professional Jeweller’s ‘’Young Jewellery Designer of the Year’’.  Ruth’s passion was ignited at an antique fair, where her mother (a keen lace maker herself), pointed out   a curious object with a crochet hook called a tatting shuttle and suggested Ruth buy it. Ruth perfected her lace making, and then taught herself to silversmith in order to realise

National Museums Scotland and Glenmorangie Commission Major Silver Artwork

National Museums Scotland and The Glenmorangie Company have commissioned a major new piece of contemporary silverwork for display in the National Museum of Scotland. Leading artists and designers currently working in the medium of silver were invited to submit proposals and following close consideration of the applications by the judging panel, The Glenmorangie Commission was awarded to Simone ten Hompel. German-born Simone ten Hompel is a silversmith of international repute, and has been working with metal for over 40 years. Based in the UK, she is known for her metalwork being regarded as one of the most inventive silversmiths of

Birmingham's historic JW Evans silver factory goes global

A glimpse into Britain's bygone age of silver has been rolled out to a worldwide audience after the historic JW Evans Silver Factory in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter was chosen to feature in a new series of virtual tours produced by English Heritage and Google Arts and Culture. Until now, the 19th century silversmith factory, which opened in 1881 and closed 127 years later with all the old tools, machinery and half-finished silverware still in place, has been open just two days a fortnight, offering guided tours only. But after the new partnership, between English Heritage who bought it from the

Vanilla Ink Launches Scottish Jewellery School

Vanilla Ink Studios has teamed up with Goldsmith Scott McIntyre to create the Vanilla Ink  Jewellery  School; aimed at bridging the gap from education to industry, helping to  shape and grow the  jewellery  trade across Scotl and. Glasgow based Vanilla Ink Studios want the new school to inspire, educate and empower the jewellery and silversmith industry by helping to mould the next generation of goldsmiths. Just like any new and innovative idea, a helping hand unleashes the potential to soar to success. So Vanilla Ink Studios have also now  launched a crowdfunding campaign  where they hope that together with help

Apprentices Get Skills Training Boost To Put Them On A Path To Success

Apprentices from Holts Academy and Higher Education students from the Birmingham School of Jewellery are set to receive an intensive week of technical skills training in Birmingham. From 12th to 16th September 2016, experienced silversmith Andrew MacGowan taught ten young people how to transform a fixed design into a final piece at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, which has been made possible through financial support from the Goldsmiths’ Company Members’ Charitable Fund and coordination via the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London.  Silversmithing, and the technical skills that underpin it, is a rapidly changing trade seeing a revolution in design and technical

Silver Speaks: Silversmithing Demonstration with Rebecca De Quin

Contemporary British Silversmiths is partnering with the V&A, the London Design Festival and the Goldsmiths' Centre to deliver a series of exciting events to promote silver in contemporary life. Over nine days in September, the London Design Festival features hundreds of events taking place across London, showcasing the city's pivotal role in global design. The London Design Festival 2016 will be held 17-25 September. Silversmithing Demonstration: Rebecca De Quin Acclaimed silversmith and Royal College of Art tutor  Rebecca de Quin , will be demonstrating her technique of quilting silver to create her unique pieces. Come along to the V&A’s Silver Galleries throughout

Weston Beamor’s Katy Tromans Exhibition Feature

Katy Tromans, a 3D Print and CAD Technician at Weston Beamor, is a woman of many talents. In addition to her work at Weston Beamor, Katy is a prize-winning silversmith recently awarded a Gold Medal for her CAD presentation in the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards. Katy is also Artist in Residence at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, where she trained. Her latest work will shortly go on display in the ‘One Year On’ alumni exhibition being staged by BCU at its Park Side Gallery from Monday 12th of June to Friday the 30th of

Goldsmiths’ Company’s Studio Internship Graduate Award

The Goldsmiths’ Company's Studio Internship Graduate Award ( SIGA ), open to recent graduates - within five years of graduation - aims to enhance the skills of the next generation of silversmiths.  Recipients are given the opportunity to train with the country’s leading silversmiths and receive funding to exhibit new work at a Goldsmiths’ Centre group show from 5-12 September 2017. The current SIGA recipients are Patrick Davison, Hamish Dobbie, Errin Quinn and Dominic Simon. There are two parts to SIGA training - eight weeks honing general silversmithing skills with a renowned silversmith, followed by eight weeks learning a particular skill with an industry specialist.

Jewellery Trade Christmas Party - London WC2

Jewellery Trade Christmas Party 2016 Presman Mastermelt are hosting a Jewellery Trade Christmas Party on the 14th December, at SWAY Bar, Great Queen Street, Holborn, all in support of the Silversmith and Jewellers Charity. Tickets cost just £25.00, which includes a donation to the Charity, live music, DJ, entertainment, food and even a Christmas gift! Date: Wednesday 14th December Times: 7pm till Late Venue: Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5BZ Tickets: Cost £25.00 each To find out more about the Silversmiths and Jewellers Charity, please click here tsjc.org.uk Tickets are selling fast, so If you would like

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