DROP IN: Plumpton College

Before Christmas Benchpeg was invited along to Plumpton College in East Sussex to have a poke about their metalsmithing and jewellery departments.

Plumpton, founded in roots of an agricultural college on the South Downs, is located in the most glorious setting with rolling hills on one aspect and beautifully kept agricultural fields on the other, near Ditchling and Brighton.

The college has one of the best facilities for blacksmithing in the country, and is second only to Hereford College. Plumpton’s course however produces skilled blacksmithing artisans who go into industry and as farriers and artist designer makers. The extensive blacksmithing facilities and equipment are very impressive, and as we walked around, we were treated to live demonstrations of blacksmithing in action and could feel the heat of the forge from quite some distance away (obviously adhering to all health and safety requirements!).

Off the back of this successful, thriving course, Plumpton’s passionate jewellery tutors have created a successful FE course (between 16 – 18 as part of the statutory post 16 education, or fee paying for 18+) for prospective entrants into industry, with some even going straight into Level 3 of the Goldsmiths’ Company apprenticeship scheme because of their advanced skills.

Benchpeg took along Paul Savage on a very nippy, grey day, with a sky loaded with sleet and snow. Paul gave the jewellery cohort an inspiring insight into his career trajectory from indentured Goldsmiths’ apprentice to his position as Workshop Manager at Cartier. Benchpeg gave a much less inspiring talk, and demonstrated that although not entirely linear, as Paul’s very focused approach, a career in jewellery can take you anywhere.

The Plumpton College cohort were a tremendous mix of individuals, each with obvious individual creative talents, inspirations and filled with personality. It was a complete joy to meet them and have them talk through their designs, reference pints and bodies of work.

We then had a fantastic tour of the blacksmithing and jewellery workshops and got a brilliant view of the impressive and beautiful campus. Benchpeg has never experienced a jewellery making setting with such obvious passion, commitment and heart at the centre.

Thank you Plumpton for such warm and gracious hospitality, it was a joy to meet you all!