Goldsmiths’ Fair champions independent designer-maker
LONDON, September 18, 2012 – In 2012 Goldsmiths’ Fair continues to champion the independent designer-maker.
Five years ago the Fair expanded to two weeks doubling its capacity. It now features 90 makers in each week and attracts a national and international following.
Exhibitors come from all around the country. An international element is introduced by the number of foreign participants, who all work and live in the UK thereby contributing an exciting dimension to the British contemporary design movement.
The Fair also seeks out exciting, emerging young talent and offers a graduate bursary scheme to 10 recent graduates each year.
The Fair remains the ultimate showcase of what is up-to-the-minute in the world of contemporary jewellery and silver, demonstrating stylish, innovative design, combined with high quality workmanship.
Week One of Goldsmiths’ Fair opens on Monday September 24 at 11am.
Among the first time exhibitors is award-winning jeweller Leyla Abdollahi, renowned for her flamboyant palette of gemstones which she incorporates into unique and quirky designs, together with Polly Wales whose latest collections are made using her innovative, serendipitous approach to lost wax casting techniques.
A doyenne of the British art jewellery movement, Charlotte de Syllas, known for her carved gemstone work, many pieces of which are to be found in distinguished collections around the world, is also exhibiting at the Fair for the first time.
Among the recent graduates is Stacey Bentley who explores the new possibilities that industrial liquid enamel can bring to contemporary jewellery, while Katie Roberts has developed a unique and innovative jewellery making technique, forming precious metal sheet by hand into dynamic three-dimensional pieces thereby creating soft undulating rhythms and patterns.
Then there is Jack Row who at only 26 is making quite a name for himself as a designer and maker of exclusive, luxurious British writing instruments and accessories.
Silversmiths Lee Simmons and Max Warren both produce striking silver that resonates with 21st century living. Through innovative use of hand engraving Max creates silver that explores the relationship between image and object, while function, aesthetics and ergonomics are the defining factors in each of Lee’s creations.
