Master craftsman Simon Coldicott wins Jacques Cartier Memorial Award
LONDON, March 2014 – Hampshire-based master craftsman Simon Coldicott won the ultimate honour, the Jacques Cartier Memorial Award, in the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Competition 2014.
Coldicott demonstrated his exceptional and outstanding craftsmanship in his model of a motorbike.
The Judges and Council at the annual Awards of the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Competition at Goldsmiths Hall in London on March 3, were full of praise.
Many said they would be proud to have their name on this piece of fabulous craftsmanship.
The Lifetime Achievement Award for 2014 was presented to Gerald Whiles for his outstanding contribution through his work, career and legacy at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham.
Gerald was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award Silver Medal, created for the event by Thomas Fattorini.
This unique annual competition, known affectionately within the trade as the Oscars of the Industry, rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials.
The Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, who run the competition, actively encourage craftsmen and designers in the industry, apprentices and students to enter their work in these highly respected awards.
As with previous years, the headline sponsors for 2014 include the Goldsmiths’ Company as its Founding and lead Patron, Cartier as Principal Patron, International Jewellery London (IJL) as a Special Patron, with HRH Princess Michael of Kent as the Council’s Royal Patron.
New Special Award Patrons joining this year are Bentley & Skinner, Raw Pearls and Hean Studio Ltd.
Entries are invited and actively encouraged in all aspects of the trade, from new entrants to skilled craftsmen, apprentices and from education.
The competition accommodates all craft and design activities in the profession, including specialist sections such as diamond mounting, setting, silversmithing, chasing, enamelling, 2D design – including CAD, jewellery, smallwork, technology and many more.
In all, a total of 130 winners were honoured in 23 categories with 21 Gold Awards, 43 Silver Awards and 66 Commendations from a record 769 entries.