Rings which shoot out fountains of water, necklaces that dissolve in a sea of colour, brooches that allow the wearer to become a superhero…is this jewellery?
At the final show of the Graduating BA students from Birmingham’s School of Jewellery invited you to discover the exciting possibilities of contemporary jewellery. Work from the final degree collections of 31 BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing graduates was showcased and celebrated at the School of Jewellery, Vittoria Street, on 11th/16th June.
As the culmination of three years hard work, the graduating students exhibited their final collections- each presenting a unique body of work in preparation for the launch of their careers in the world of Jewellery and Silversmithing.
The range of work on display showed a variety of approaches; some designers opt to push the boundaries of what jewellery and silversmithing can be, some invent their materials, create satirical pieces, and invited you to play and discover, or create wearables designed take you to another world! Rachael Brame, winner of a silver grant, donated by the Goldsmiths Company, also showcased her work: functional and wearable objects disguised as colourful alien creatures.
The 31 BA students exhibited their work alongside other graduating classes from the school, which specialise in the use of new technologies in jewellery, exquisite hand making skills in precious metals, Horology and Gemmology.
BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing Course Director, Zoe Robertson, says – “Our graduate show offered a visual feast of creativity which spans the breadth of contemporary jewellery and Silversmithing, offering new innovative directions across a wide variety of materials, processes and techniques.”
The Show was a fantastic opportunity to view the work of young designers at the forefront of contemporary jewellery, from the largest dedicated jewellery institution in Europe. A selection of work from this talented group of designers was showcased at the prestigious New Designers exhibition, which took place at the Business Design Centre in London.
