Silverware Design Competition

The Benevolent Society and NAJ Educational trust launch joint silverware design competition to commemorate their anniversaries

Deadline: 4 November 2024

The industry charities are marking their significant anniversaries in 2024 by commissioning the design and manufacture of a new silverware piece to be displayed at their joint headquarters.

2024 sees two prominent industry charities celebrating milestone anniversaries. The Benevolent Society celebrates its 100th Anniversary, and the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) Educational Trust is celebrating its 30th anniversary. To commemorate this event and in recognition of the vital work carried out by the charities over the last century, a competition to design a commemorative piece of silverware was launched on 22nd July 2024.

The charities are commissioning the design or the design and manufacture of a silver water jug to be used and displayed as part of the British Allied Trades Federations (BATF) extensive silverware collection at the charities headquarters in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham. It is anticipated that the winning design will be both unique and practical with room for a short inscription.

The competition is now open for applications and will be closing on November 4th 2024, the winning design will be announced at the annual Benevolent Society Ball at the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on 5th December 2024.

The Benevolent Society Chair, Gay Penfold commented:

"The trustees wanted to celebrate our hundred year milestone with a unique silver item, which can be used and enjoyed now and in the future. We know through our support of bursary applicants that there are many talented individuals in our industries. We want to build on this support by encouraging designers and silversmiths to enter this competition. We hope to be spoilt for choice at the design judging stage!"

Andrew Hinds, NAJ Educational Trust Chairman says:

“We’re delighted to jointly launch this design competition on milestone anniversaries for both organisations. We both must build awareness to ensure support is made accessible to those who need it and welcome design entries from all in the trade.”

“I do wish to add many congratulations to The Benevolent Society, on behalf of the Educational Trust, for reaching its centenary year. The Society delivers crucial support for future, current and past professionals in the trade and long may it continue.”

The winning design will receive a cash prize as well as professional photographs of the final piece and press coverage, full details can be found in the competition brief.

Please contact Secretary/Trust Administrator, Laura Banner laura.banner@batf.uk.com for a full copy of the competition brief.