Treasure at Jewellery Week to showcase UK design talent
LONDON, May 13, 2012 – Treasure at Jewellery Week in London will showcase the talents of some of Britain’s finest young independent designers, said curator Elizabeth Galton.
In an interview with Jewellery Outlook, Galton, who sells contemporary jewellery through her own site, said she anticipated that more than 100 UK-based designers would take part in Treasure, which will take place from June 14-17 at the historic Somerset House as part of Jewellery Week.
“Treasure is to showcase and provide a platform for young British talent. We have been looking for designers who have established a signature to their work, and who have a good understanding of commercial markets,” Galton said.
“Many of the designers taking part in Treasure are aged under 30.”
Young design independents such as Jessica De Lotz, Claire English, Alexander Davis and iKuria will present their latest pieces at Treasure this year.
Designers to watch also include Imogen Belfield (Fashion Jewellery), Lestie Lee (Fine Jewellery), Momocreatura (Fashion Jewellery), new brand Loushelou, and designer/maker Clarice Price Thomas.
The exhibition will be split into: Fashion Gallery; Design Gallery; Fine Jewellery Gallery; Essence – Ethical Jewellery Gallery; Emerge – New Jeweller Gallery; Boutiques, and Waterside Studios.
In previous years the layout of the exhibition was less formally structured, with fine jewellers sometimes positioned next to designer/makers selling lower end product.
Treasure will be slightly bigger in 2012 than last year, Galton said.
Footfall is likely to be higher too, as Jewellery Week will take place during a busy tourist season due to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.
Elizabeth Galton
Somerset House in central London will be a splendid venue for Treasure because of the prestige of the location, Galton said.
“Jewellery for me is such an eternal art form that being able to show it at a venue as iconic as Somerset House, will give our event more gravitas,” she said.
A special award for outstanding original design at Treasure, chosen by Galton, will be unveiled. The winner will have the opportunity to sell pieces on Galton’s jewellery site
www.elizabethgaltonstudio.com
