A day of Craft, Conversation and Community
Venue
When
Audience
Category
A day of Craft, Conversation and Community at Aston University's Goldsmiths' Institute, Birmingham - Friday 11th July 2025
Join us for a special day of discovery and dialogue at Aston University's Goldsmiths' Institute
Date
Friday 11th July 2025
Location:
Aston University, Goldsmiths' Institute
This promises to be a fascinating and enriching day, full of insight, demonstration, and inspiration. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow engravers and broaden your understanding of the educational landscape supporting our trade.
Schedule for the Day
12:00 – Guided Tour of the Institute
We’ll begin with a guided tour of the Goldsmiths’ Institute – a unique chance to see the facilities and meet some of the people behind its innovative work.
13:00 – Lunch
Lunch will be kindly provided by the Institute – a chance to relax, network and chat informally with peers. You will also be welcomed to explore the Institutes open repository of academic resources.
14:00 – GRS Engraving System Demonstration
Experience a live demonstration of the GRS engraving system, offering insight into how this technology supports precision and efficiency in modern hand engraving practice.
15:30 – Mini Orthographic Drawing Class with Collette Waudby
A focused and practical session on orthographic drawing – an essential skill for anyone working in design and fabrication.
About Collette Waudby: Collette is a renowned jewellery designer, educator, and goldsmith with over two decades of teaching experience. Her work bridges traditional techniques and contemporary design, and she is a passionate advocate for craftsmanship in education.
16:30 – Talks: Skills, Education and the Future of Our Craft
A series of short talks from experts working to sustain and evolve craft training in the UK:
Daniel Carpenter – Director, Heritage Crafts Association
Daniel is the Executive Director of Heritage Crafts, the leading organisation working to safeguard traditional skills in the UK. His work centres on lobbying for policy change, providing grants, and raising public awareness of endangered crafts.
Collette Waudby – Programme Manager, Aston Goldsmith's Institute
Collette will introduce the Craft T Level qualification, designed to offer a rigorous and creative alternative route into the industry for young people.
Miranda Sharpe – Head of Apprenticeships, BAJ
Miranda is a jeweller and enameler who currently leads on the apprenticeship programme at the British Academy of Jewellery. She will discuss the engraving pathway that is available.
17:30 – Social Gathering at Gosta Green Birmingham
We’ll conclude the day at the nearby Gosta Green Birmingham pub, a chance to unwind and continue conversations in a more informal setting.
Places for the day are limited and must be reserved in advance.
We are grateful to Collette and the team at Aston University for making this unique and exclusive opportunity available to the Association and our members.
Tickets for the day are just £10.
