PRESS RELEASE: The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council welcomes four new council members

The prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) has announced the appointment of four new Council Members, further strengthening the organisation’s breadth of expertise across craftsmanship, education, design and industry leadership.

Following an open call that attracted an exceptionally high standard of applications, the GC&DC has welcomed Andrew Berry, Lili Capelle, Rebecca Joselyn and Ray Walton to its Council.

Each brings a distinctive perspective shaped by decades of hands-on experience at the bench, in education, and in leadership roles across the jewellery and silversmithing sector.

Andrew Berry is a goldsmith and educator who has run his own retail shop and workshop since 1987. He is the founder of At The Bench, a global online jewellery training platform with more than 37,500 members, sharing practical, bench-led knowledge to support jewellers at every stage of their careers.

Lili Capelle is a jewellery educator and programme leader with over 20 years’ experience across professional making and vocational training. Trained in France and with bench experience in Paris and London, she is Programme Manager for Vocational Training at The Goldsmiths’ Centre, overseeing the Jewellery Foundation Programme and a wide portfolio of technical short courses.

Rebecca Joselyn is a Sheffield-based contemporary silversmith and Managing Director of Goldsmiths North. A Liveryman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, her work transforms discarded everyday objects into bespoke silverware and jewellery, exploring value, material culture and refined craftsmanship.

Ray Walton studied at Medway College of Design and has worked for more than four decades as a silversmith to the trade, contemporary designer-maker and antique restorer. For the past 16 years he has also worked as an educator. Ray is a Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company and a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths.

Commenting on the appointments, GC&DC Chair John Ball said: “The level of interest in joining the Council this year was exceptional, both in volume and quality, which made the selection process particularly challenging for the Trustees.

“The four new Council Members bring outstanding experience, integrity and commitment to craftsmanship and design, and I am delighted to welcome them. Their knowledge and passion will play an important role as we continue to evolve the GC&DC and champion excellence across the trade.”

The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, founded in 1908, exists to promote, celebrate and reward excellence in jewellery, silversmithing and allied crafts, most notably through its annual GC&DC Awards competition.