For over 30 years the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall in the heart of London has been showcasing the very best in British design and craftsmanship in the precious metals. The annual ‘Goldmiths’ Fair’ this year continues the tradition, but with a new approach to the concept and with many new and exciting exhibitors. The fair allows the public to purchase pieces direct from the designer-makers over the two week period – in perfect time for Christmas! The event contains the latest collections from 170 leading designer-makers, each exhibiting for one week, selected by an expert judging panel assembled by the Goldsmiths Company.
The new look fair, feels fresher and more spacious, the clean lines of the white stands clearly define the individual spaces without looking cluttered and tight, the exhibitors are happy to talk about their pieces and to allow you to take a closer look & try things on!
There are plenty of new exhibitors this year, including Clara Breen who’s colourful pieces caught my eye, Clara incorporates paper into her beautifully crafted pieces, including these ‘Fossil’ Earrings with removable part; Oxidised silver, vermeil, citrine and paper. (week one, stand 15)
Other tempting week one exhibitors include Shivani Patel, Melissa Rigby, new exhibitors Amy Keeper and Tanja Ufer.
A new feature of the fair this year has been Goldsmiths’ Fair Revels ‘Zaha Hadid Selects.’ For the first time the fair has invited an iconic figure from the design world to make a selection of her favourite pieces from the 170 exhibitors. The internationally renowned architect has selected 21 pieces of jewellery and silver which have been displayed together at the start of the fair. Her selection is bold and diverse and all are testimonies to cutting edge design and techniques – here are a couple of my favourites from her selection:
Tom Rucker’s Ring GEO. AEGEANA – This artist goldsmith uses state of the art laser welding technology in conjunction with master goldsmith skills to create his unique pieces, skills which are supremely in evidence in this stunning ring, the intricate laser welding of the wire work and the rich combinations of colour, texture and materials makes this ring a work of art and craft. (week one, stand 78)
Ute Decker’s – ‘In Praise o Shadows’ Earrings – reminiscent of folded pieces of paper these minimalist but tactile earrings are striking and substantial in size but look effortlessly wearable and have a pleasing fluidity to their overall sculptural appearance. (week one, stand 4)
It’s all change in week two, and I’m looking forward to checking out the work of Ornella Iannuzzi (week two stand 72) whose distinctive pieces include this stunning ring:
“A l’Ere Glaciaire”
Also Chris Boland, and Charmian Harris who have both used a variety of interesting gemstones in their bold pieces.
‘Monolith rings’ by Chris Boland
Opal bracelet set with 22ct gold & diamonds by Charmian Harris
As you can imagine with 170 exhibitors there are far too many dazzling pieces to mention here and as this is a jewellery blog I haven’t even began to feature the many outstanding pieces of silversmithing work on show at the fair as well, definitely worth a look if you manage to visit!
Dates for the Fair 2014
Week one Monday 22 September 2014 – Sunday 28 September
Week two Tuesday 30 September – Sunday 5 October
Closed on Monday 29 September for the change-over.
11am – 6.30pm daily
Thursdays open 8.30pm
The Goldsmiths’ Company are also offering a series of breakfast talks over the course of the fair – these feature experts from the jewellery world speaking about their area of specialty, there are some really exciting talks scheduled (for example this morning was Edward Johnson – the London Director of the GIA!) but these are booking up quickly so if you’re interested do have a look at the website for booking details.
Adventures through the loupe 