Jacobs the Jewellers Announces Its Annual Young Designer Competition
Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition Returns
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Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, will launch the third edition of its annual Young Designer Competition this summer.
Staged at the renowned jewellery store from 6 - 30 June 2017, the exhibition will feature work by 10 emerging designers from the Bishopsland Educational Trust, the prestigious South Oxfordshire silver and jewellery design postgraduate skills provider. While competitors will exhibit one new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery, the public will be able to vote for their favourite designs.
Adam Jacobs, of Jacobs the Jewellers, said,
“After two years, we feel this year will be the best exhibition and competition yet. With 10 young artists participating, we know the standard will be high and we’re so happy to be able to work with all our partners on such a great event”.
The Young Designer Competition exhibition will also feature live craft demonstrations and a VIP winner’s event on Friday 30 June, which will also include silversmiths demonstrating traditional silversmithing skills in store, including engraving and gemstone setting. The winners will be announced in the presence of Judith Cobham- Lowe, the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company and Patrick Sheehan, Director of HS Walsh. In a unique collaboration with Reading Borough Council, a special selection of Reading Borough Council’s civic silver collection will be on show - many pieces by acclaimed silversmith Gerald Benney.
Judith Cobham-Lowe, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, commented,
“The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to support this year’s Young Designer Competition organised by Jacobs the Jewellers and Bishopsland. It is a wonderful initiative backing emerging silversmiths and jewellers.”
Towards the end of the exhibition run, the event will aslo form part of Reading’s established Open for Art Festival (30 June – 2 July), curated by local arts organisation, Jelly.
The competition for Bishopsland designers is made possible through the initiative, co-operation and support of Jacobs the Jewellers; and the support of the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and the UK’s principal patron of contemporary silversmiths and jewellers; and HS Walsh, the jewellery and watch industries leading supplier of tools and equipment.
Oliver Makower, Vice Principal of Bishopsland Educational Trust, said:,
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our emerging silversmiths and jewellers. Displaying and demonstrating their work at Jacobs and having the public vote is a great confidence boost for them.”
All parties involved are supporting this competition with a clear commitment to the craft and artists of Bishopsland, not to mention Reading as a growing creative centre in the South East.
Image credit: Jacobs the Jewellers
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