Welcome to the latest edition of Goldsmiths' Company News. Our aim is to share interesting and inspiring stories with our readers about our makers and our industry (jewellery and silversmithing), the communities and charity partners we work with, and from across the Goldsmiths' Company family.
We are delighted to announce that Richard Fox, Managing Director of Fox Silver, has become the Prime Warden (Chairman-equivalent) of the Goldsmiths' Company. He is the 693rd Prime Warden of the Company and the first in our history to take office virtually via video conference. Richard recognises that the year ahead will be a challenging one for our craft, trade and allied industries, whose business have virtually come to a standstill since the crisis began in March, due to the coronavirus pandemic. "I am deeply passionate about our industry - which I believe is world-class - and am committed to doing what I can to support it during my time as Prime Warden," he tells us. Read more below.
As part of our Goldsmiths Stories collection we have been speaking to makers about how they have been creating, making, sharing, or simply just coping during the lockdown. We have a beautiful and inspiring interview in this month's issue with world-renowned silversmith Rod Kelly, who is currently self-isolating with his dog Crosby on Muckle-Roe, Shetland. See: In the workshop: Rod Kelly.
You can also read about the Goldsmiths' Covid-19 Fund, our research collaboration with the Crafts Council on the future of the craft market, the launch of our new booklet detailing acquisitions for our private Collection this year, including Wendy Ramshaw's Cone Necklace, the re-opening of the Assay Office and more.
If you would like to feedback on our newsletter, we'd love to hear from you.
E: info@thegoldsmiths.co.uk
Stay safe and well.
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Richard Fox becomes Prime Warden
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The Goldsmiths' Company is delighted to announce that Richard Fox, Managing Director of Fox Silver, has taken office as Prime Warden. With a background in silversmithing, design and business leadership, Richard has successfully created beautiful silverware for the likes of Formula One and Rolls Royce for almost four decades. His primary focus will be championing the trade of silversmiths, jewellers and allied industries during his year in office. Commenting on his appointment and the year ahead, Richard says: "This will doubtless be a challenging year for the Company and for our craft, trade and allied industries whose business have virtually come to a standstill since the crisis began in March. I am deeply passionate about our industry - which I believe is world-class - and am committed to doing what I can to support it during my time as Prime Warden." Read more about his appointment here.
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?700,000 of grants awarded to the craft and trade through the COVID-19 fund
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The Goldsmiths' Company and Charity have awarded over ?700,000 in grants to people working in the craft, trade and allied industries who face financial hardship because of the current crisis, following the launch of the ?1 million Goldsmiths' Covid-19 Fund on 22 April.
The emergency fund was set up to provide immediate financial relief to the self-employed, sole traders or those running micro-businesses (four people or fewer) in the jewellery and silversmithing industries. Grants of ?1,500 have been awarded to almost 500 people who, according to Richard Fox, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company, had "fallen through the cracks" and were "unable to access government funding, certainly early in the crisis." Read more here.
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Market for Craft report launched: Crafts Council
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We're pleased to share a new report with you - Market for Craft - the first to shed light on the growing craft trend in over a decade, which launched today. The report was carried out by the Crafts Council, the Goldsmiths' Company and seven leading national partners, among 5,000 UK residents, 1,500 US citizens and 1,700 professional makers.
The report reveals that our passion for craft has never been greater: while craft sales have increased from ?883m in 2006 to over a whopping ?3 billion in 2020, 73% of UK adults had bought craft in 2019, snapping up almost 25 million handcrafted objects. It also highlights the ongoing needs and opportunities for makers considering both Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic.
This research is a rich resource for the sector and makers alike, deepening understanding of what, why and how consumers are buying craft both here and in the US, where the market is young and keen to purchase from UK makers. You can read about the report here.
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In the workshop: Rod Kelly
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"It's my duty to teach. The industry used to be a very unwelcoming place, so if I can help young people, that's what I'll do." Being unable to run his usual workshops, Rod has been sharing skills and techniques via regular videos on Instagram, centred on the journey of making a large silver dish. Read what Rod has been up to in his workshop on Muckle-Roe, Shetland during isolation here.
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Exhibitors announced for Goldsmiths'' Fair
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We are delighted to announce the exhibitors for Goldsmiths' Fair 2020.
Welcoming eight recent graduates and five brand new exhibitors to our established line-up of jewellers and silversmiths, this year offers an exciting array of makers to whet your appetite! We will be launching the Fair and its programme of activities in early summer so make sure you stay tuned to our social media and our newsletter to be the first to know.
See the full list of exhibitors here.
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New Acquisitions Booklet - 2019-20
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As the Company moves towards the celebration of its 700th anniversary in 2027, its pioneering support for contemporary makers through competitions, acquisitions and commissioning plays an important part in enhancing the vitality of design and craftsmanship in silver, jewellery and art medals into the 21st century. We've launched our new booklet describing the Company's acquisitions over the last year, including purchases, gifts and commissions for pieces designed to be used, worn or displayed at the Hall. See the latest booklet here.
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We are pleased to announce that the Assay Office has partially reopened and is accepting packets (at the counter and by post) for Hallmarking at the Hall, and Heathrow.
Our turnaround times will be affected by the safety measures put in place, which include a significantly reduced staffing level to allow for social distancing. And customers will receive their completed packet later than normal.
Read more about the reopening here.
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The Centre has launched a free membership for students and apprentices registered on UK precious metal courses. The membership provides full access to its new online Skills Hub, packed with practical skills videos, a back-catalogue of its inspiring Creative Links talks, technical articles and industry-specific resources created by specialist craftspeople for those in the goldsmithing industry.
Sign up here!
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Layette Basket: For Remembrance Ever After
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This silver layette basket on loan from the Inner Temple was made as a royal commission to commemorate the marriage of Mary Stuart and William II of Orange. Interim Deputy Curator, Dr Irene Cooper, tells us the story behind the piece that sparked the idea for the latest Company display: For Remembrance Ever After. Read more here.
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We have recently introduced a new feature, Meet our Members: a spotlight on members of the Goldsmiths' Company and their contributions to our craft, trade and to national life.
Rajesh Gogna was made a Freeman in 2013 and is renowned for making one-off pieces of functional and sculptural collectable art objects. Famous examples of his work include the ''Ice-Tea Pot'' and ''Unzipped'' series - which draw upon research of historical artefacts and traditional techniques coupled with the exploration of form and functionality.
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"What I appreciate most about being a member of the Goldsmiths' Company is the way in which different people come together in informal ways, cultivating new ideas and solving problems. Through our work, we ensure longevity both for the industry and the Company alike." - Rajesh Gogna
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