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

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 to make the challenging transition to employment and self-employment. With the support of its funders, Bishopsland has been able to award over £300k in bursaries to talented The charity continues to support a strong community of Fellows with exhibition opportunities, collaboratoions, commissions, routes to market and employment generation. Fellows are widely represented in national and international public and private collections, exhibit at Goldsmiths’ Fair, and regularly gain recognition at prestigious awards.ftspeople regardless of background, means or academic ability.

The charity continues to support a strong community of Fellows with exhibition opportunities, collaboratoions, commissions, routes to market and employment generation. Fellows are widely represented in national and international public and private collections, exhibit at Goldsmiths’ Fair, and regularly gain recognition at prestigious awards.

Howard Dellar, Chairman of the Trustees thanked Pope & Oliver and the Makower Family for an extraordinary 30 years protecting and nurturing our industry. He noted the many reunions taking place were testament to the impact and reach Bishopsland has had on so many. He presented Pope with a book created by Fellows with photos and quotes spanning thirty years.

In accepting the gift on behalf of Pope and Oliver, William Makower read out words sent from Pope who was unable to attend:

“I am so proud of what Oliver and I managed to do and would have loved to have seen you all and heard how your lives have developed. So many stories and friendships have been created at Bishopsland and it’s been a privilege to have been part of your lives.

Oliver and I wish the Trustees, Angela and Claire all the very best as they plot the path of Bishopsland from here. It’s right that they now take over and ensure more young people have the opportunity to develop their skills and passion as you have done.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening and finally, and on behalf of all of you, I would like to thank the Goldsmith’ Company for hosting tonight. Their generosity to Bishopsland over many years has been both constant and remarkable.”

The Chairman announced the recent appointment of Angela Cork as Principal of Bishopsland to a round of applause. Angela will formally be taking up her appointment from September 2023. He also restated the commitment by the Trust to building on the incredible legacy that Pope and Oliver founded, to continue to nurture and train aspiring silversmiths and ensure skills are protected and passed down to future generations to enjoy.

Handing over to Trustee Karin Paynter to speak on Angela’s behalf, the Bishopsland Tools Library was announced to collect, curate and care for hand tools for future generations.

The event was supported by the Goldsmiths’ Company and sponsored by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, VIPA Designs, Richard and Serena Fox of Fox Silver Ltd, Cookson Precious Metals and Grant Macdonald Ltd.