Jacobs the Jewellers’ Young Designer Competition returns this June
A collaboration with the Bishopsland Trust, The Goldsmiths’ Company, HS Walsh and Jelly Arts
Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, is thrilled to announce the third edition of its annual Young Designer Competition. Staged at the renowned jewellery store from 6-30 June 2017, the exhibition will feature work by 10 emerging designers from the Bishopsland Educational Trust, the prestigious South Oxfordshire silver and jewellery design postgraduate skills provider. While competitors will exhibit one new work of silver and one new piece of jewellery, the public will be able to vote for their favourite designs.
The Young Designer Competition exhibition will also feature live craft demonstrations and a VIP winner’s event on Friday 30 June, the start of :
- At 3pm several emerging silversmiths will demonstrate traditional silversmithing skills in store, including engraving and gemstone setting.
- At 4pm the winners will be announced in the presence of Judith Cobham- Lowe, the Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company (the first woman to hold this role since the Company received its first Royal Charter in 1327); Patrick Sheehan, Director of HS Walsh; and (TBC) the Mayor of Reading.
- On the day, thanks to a unique collaboration with Reading Borough Council, a special selection of Reading Borough Council’s civic silver collection will be on show - many pieces by acclaimed silversmith Gerald Benney.
The event’s last days see it taking part in Reading’s established Open for Art Festival (30 June – 2 July), curated by local arts organisation, Jelly.
This competition for Bishopsland designers is made possible through the initiative, co-operation and support of Jacobs the Jewellers; and the support of the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and the UK’s principal patron of contemporary silversmiths and jewellers; and HS Walsh, the jewellery and watch industries leading supplier of tools and equipment. All parties involved are supporting this competition with a clear commitment to the craft and artists of Bishopsland, not to mention Reading as a growing creative centre in the South East.
Adam Jacobs, partner, Jacobs the Jewellers, said: “After two years, we feel this year will be the best exhibition and competition yet. With 10 young artists participating, we know the standard will be high and we’re so happy to be able to work with all our partners on such a great event”.
Judith Cobham-Lowe, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, commented: “The Goldsmiths’ Company is delighted to support this year’s Young Designer Competition organised by Jacobs the Jewellers and Bishopsland. It is a wonderful initiative backing emerging silversmiths and jewellers.”
Oliver Makower, Vice Principal of Bishopsland Educational Trust, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our emerging silversmiths and jewellers. Displaying and demonstrating their work at Jacobs and having the public vote is a great confidence boost for them.”
Patrick Sheehan, Director, HS WALSH commented: “This competition goes from strength to strength. Given our role in the craft jewellery world, we’re delighted to support the young stars of the future.”
Suzanne Stallard, Director, Jelly, said: “The Jelly are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative. It’s a natural fit for us as an arts organisation to be involved in supporting young talented artists, and a perfect start to our 3-day arts festival. Thank you to our partners for the opportunity and good luck to all involved.”
For press enquiries and interviews please contact:
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Adam Jacobs, owner Jacobs the Jewellers 25, King St | Reading | 011 8 959 0790 adam.jacobs@jacobsthe |
Suzanne Stallard, Director Jelly Arts 07702 422353 |
Glyn Mcintosh Bishopsland Educational Trust M 07557994732 |
Social Media links
#silverdesign @jacobsthejewellers @bishopsland_uk
@goldsmithsco @hswalshandsons @thejellyreading
The Bishopsland Trust is an internationally recognised, post graduate residential course, a bridge between university and professional life as a silversmith or jeweller. There is equal concentration on silversmithing skills and the professional skills needed to be able to work successfully as a self-employed maker. This integrated approach makes the course unique.
Jacobs the Jewellers is a Nationally-renowned, award-winning jewellers, established in 1948, is Berkshire’s leading independent jeweller, well known across Berkshire and the South East. Offering exquisite jewellery, silver, watches, superior presentation pieces and excellent levels of customer service; as well as our skilled on-site workshop and the only in-house CAD bespoke service in the immediate area.
The Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, received its first Royal Charter in 1327. Today the purpose of the Goldsmiths' Company is to contribute to British national life by supporting its related crafts, industry and trade and through wider charitable and educational activity. The Company’s Assay Office has been responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of precious metals. The Company is the principal patron of contemporary jewellers and silversmiths, continuing to play an important role in support of the craft by funding apprenticeships and assisting with the technical training of aspiring designer-makers. 2012 saw the opening of the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell, a state-of-the-art facility comprised of workshops, exhibition space and conference facilities. The Company supports a wide range of charitable causes and pursues a number of educational projects through its official charity. The Goldsmiths’ Company’s private collection of silver is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, comprising 8,000 items dating from 1300 to the present day. Its contemporary collections are world renowned.
thegoldsmiths.co.uk / @GoldsmithsCo
assayofficelondon.co.uk / @LondonAssay
goldsmiths-centre.org / @GsmithsCentre
thegoldsmithsdirectory.co.uk
HS Walsh, Awarded a Royal Warrant to the Queen in 2016 Walsh are one of the leading suppliers of tools and equipment for jewellers and horologists. They have been supplying, Jewellery findings, clock and watch materials to the jewellery and horological trades for more than 65 years and export to more than 87 countries worldwide. Their service is backed up by knowledgeable staff who are always prepared to go that extra mile to ensure that the “customer” is 100% satisfied.
Jelly is an energetic charity championing the creative arts. Jelly has played a strategic role in Reading’s cultural life since 1993 – enabling art to appear in unexpected places and creating opportunities for people to look on and join in. We believe in the power of the arts to delight, intrigue, challenge and enrich, and we're committed to forming creative alliances and partnerships that encourage art and cultural life to flourish. This summer, Jelly launch their annual Open for Art festival - a celebration of all things creative - from pop-up arts exhibitions, workshops and master classes, performances, walking tours, knitting picnics, trails, live art, heritage trails and an Open Air Art Challenge. Open for Art runs from Friday 30 June till Sunday 2 July and sets to be a fantastic weekend.