Contemporary jewellers to follow
Alumni of Middlesex University Jewellery Design Degree
I studied Jewellery Design at Middlesex University from 1991 to 1995. Starting out as Hornsey College of Art, it became Middlesex Polytechnic in 1973 and a University in 1992 whilst I was studying there. The Jewellery Design degree ran for 54 years, with the final students graduating in 2016. Tutors such as Caroline Broadhead, Pierre Degan and Julia Mannheim encouraged us to push the boundaries of forms and materials. I believe this means that even when using traditional materials, Middlesex jewellers create innovative, exciting pieces. I've included jewellers here who use leather, silicon and aluminium but also those working with gold and gemstones.
Vicki Ambery-Smith
Vicki graduated in the late seventies, and creates intricate jewellery in precious metals inspired by architecture. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Scottish Museum amongst others. I remember being inspired by Vicki’s work when I was a student and my degree show pieces were (loosely) based on architecture too. http://www.vickiamberysmith.co.uk
Daphne Krinos
Daphne graduated in the early eighties. Known globally, she has work in the Victoria and Albert Museum and Crafts Council collections amongst others. She makes one-off pieces using gold, black oxidised silver and precious gemstones. I’ve included her work as I find them classically elegant and clearly exquisitely-made. http://www.daphnekrinos.com
Lindsey Mann
I had seen Lindsey’s work in the gallery in Cambridge where I have work, and then when I went to the Bovey Tracey Crafts Festival in June this year, I met her and found out she was also ex-Middlesex, having graduated in 2002. Lindsey works with anodised aluminium, combined with silver and with polymer clay. She also makes fabulous automata and has written a book on anodised aluminium. http://www.lindseymann.co.uk
Jenny Llewellyn
Jenny is an exciting jeweller who graduated in 2007. She works with precious metals and silicone resulting in beautiful statement pieces in gorgeous colours. As you can see, they are inspired by sea life, which is an inspiration of mine too. Jenny is based at Cockpit Arts London and has won a number of awards. http://www.jennyllewellyn.com
Tania Clarke Hall
Tania graduated in 2008. She works with leather and creates high-end pieces that are stocked in all the leading galleries. I followed up on Tania’s work when I met her at a Middlesex Jewellery Degree reunion event last year and she was wearing one of the gorgeous necklaces shown here. Brilliant work, really innovative yet elegant and wearable. http://www.taniaclarkehall.com
If you are interested to see a wider range of jewellers who graduated from Middlesex I have created a Pinterest board here.