The Bishopsland Educational Trust, a jewellery design postgraduate course provider based in South Oxfordshire, is pleased to announce after a successful first year, the launch of 2016’s public competition and exhibition for its students at Jacobs the Jewellers, in the heart of Reading town centre.

Five young Bishopsland based jewellery designers will showcase one piece of silver and one piece of jewellery, competing for best design in each category. In the exhibition period June 6th to June 27th, the public will be able to view and try the designs, voting for their favourite design in each category at Jacobs the Jewellers Reading shop. Additionally, a number of Bishopsland alumni, now designers in their own right, will be exhibiting their work, though not in competition.

The exhibition has been made possible for the Bishopsland trust through the initiative, co-operation and support of Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s leading independent jeweller, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a City of London livery company founded in the 13th century to promote the craft of Gold and Silversmiths and HS Walsh, the jewellery and watch industries leading supplier of tools and equipment.

The exhibition, the only of this type in the area, is a unique opportunity to view stunning jewellery and silver designs of talented young designers of the future alongside rising stars. All parties are supporting this competition demonstrating a clear commitment to the craft and artists of Bishopsland as well as to Reading town centre as a creative centre in the South East.

 Key timings and photo opportunities:

 

  • 6th June 1500 to 1700: Official launch of event at Jacobs with artist presentations & VIPs, photocall, exhibition & voting starts
  • 25th June: exhibition & voting closes
  • 27th June 1600: announcement of winners at Jacobs with artists and VIPs, photocall

 

“After the success of last year’s event with 100 plus votes, Jacobs the jewellers is delighted to be launching and hosting this unique opportunity for young jewellery designers in the Reading and the Berkshire area. Our customers loved seeing the new and exciting designs and we can’t wait to welcome the Bishopsland gang back, particularly this year, Reading’s official year of Culture” Adam Jacobs, partner, Jacobs the Jewellers.

 The Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Timothy Schroder, commented, “The Goldsmiths’ Company is pleased to support the next generation of silversmiths and jewellers through this innovative collaboration with Bishopsland and Jacobs the Jewellers. I look forward to seeing this exciting showcase of new work.”

 Oliver Makower, Vice Principal of Bishopsland Educational Trust said "Bishopsland are delighted that Jacobs have given us the rare opportunity to show our work in sophisticated surroundings".

 H S WALSH Patrick Sheehan Director commented "We are absolutely delighted to be involved in this exciting project again this year and we are looking forward to seeing some outstanding pieces."