PRESS RELEASE: The Association for Contemporary Jewellery announces new Chair and Board roles

The ACJ are delighted to welcome Rebecca Skeels as Chair from 1 June 2026. Rebecca previously served on the board of directors for over a decade and brings a wealth of experience to the role.

New Chair

Rebecca is Course Director and Senior Lecturer at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University in BA honours Jewellery and Objects. She started her jewellery business in 1994 after graduating from the University of Wales, followed by an MA Project by Design from CSM and a PGC in Higher Education from UCA. Rebecca is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Rebecca Skeels said: “Stepping into this role is a distinct honour and privilege. My goal is to build upon the strong foundation that Terry is leaving in our hands, to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. We hope this will be the Associations most ambitious chapter yet”.

New Board Members

We also welcome Melanie Eddy and Anne Earls Boylan as Deputy Chairs, who will work with Rebecca on our ongoing strategy ensuring we stay relevant to our community. Melanie and Anne both run their own creative businesses, alongside careers in education.

Terry Hunt Outgoing Chair

ACJ would like to thank outgoing Chair Terry Hunt for all he has done to champion and support our sector.

Terry Hunt graduated from the Central School in 1969, becoming a jewellery designer-maker. For over 50 years he has explored surface pattern and colour predominantly using titanium and anodised aluminium. Recently his work has included larger sculptures in coloured plastics.

He began teaching at Birmingham City  

University in 1971, becoming the Deputy Head of School at the School of Jewellery in 1998, staying there until 2010.

Continuing his support for the jewellery sector, he went onto become the Chair of ACJ in 2010, where he has remained for the last 16 years, steering the work of the Association and creating a community that welcomes everyone with an interest in contemporary jewellery. Leading on the governance at ACJ, he has dedicated his time to support successive teams of directors and mentored Early Career Representatives. Terry will stay on the board as a director.

Terry Hunt said: “It’s been a great privilege to serve the Association for so long and to be involved with so many wonderful, creative people. Regarding legacy, I’m glad we have continuing members’ exhibitions and, as well as many UK-wide regional groups, we still attract members from across the world. My best wishes to Rebecca, Mel and Anne.”