From 6 April to 3 May 2018 the exhibition Hidden Treasures at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell, London, will bring together for the first-time exquisite works, from decorative pieces of jewellery and silverware to objet d’art, created by some of the most eminent and respected craftspeople in the UK.
Showcasing twenty-two members of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG), this free month-long exhibition will profile the Fellows’ exceptional work and their diverse skills, ranging from design, enamelling, wax carving to polishing.
Since its foundation in 1984, the IPG has been passionate about ensuring UK provenance and setting the standard for the finest workmanship in the industry. Its highest level of membership is a ‘Fellow’, which entitles craftspeople to have the letters FIPG (Fellow of the IPG) after their name and to use the IPG punch.
Hidden Treasures showcases these Fellows as ‘hidden treasures’ as they hold specific and expert skills, which contribute to the realisation of a broad diversity of work, but often go unnamed. They can be one of many collaborators, on whom the trade relies, but are not the public face of the industry.
Hidden Treasures will showcase a series of photographs revealing the expert skills behind the display of exceptional work by the Fellows of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG). The behind-the-scenes images taken by documentary photographer Sarah Ainslie in the Fellows’ workshops will celebrate the contribution of these exceptional craftspeople and nature of the expertise they hold and practice. We are very proud that our much-loved Dave Merry features!
The exhibition will include an outstanding display of jewellery, silverware to objet d’art by the following IPG Fellows:
• Adam Godfrey FIPG, Goldsmith Designer
• Andrew McCallum FIPG, Andrew McCallum Jewellery, Goldsmith
• Anton J Kata FIPG, Kata Wearable Art, Goldsmith/Designer
• Danila Tarcinale FIPG, waxcarving.co.uk, Designer Maker / Goldsmith / Expert Wax Modeller / Precious Jewellery Specialist
• Erica Sharpe FGA, DGA, RJ.Dip, FIPG, Goldsmith / Designer / Gemmologist
• Ingo Henn FIPG, Henn of London, Master Goldsmith
• Jennifer Bloy FRSA FIPG, Designer of Jewellery, Silverware & Objet d’Art / Wax Modeller / Goldsmith
• Joan Mackarell FIPG, Designer / Enameller
• Joanna Stroinska FIPG, Goldsmith-Jeweller/ Diamond Setter / CAD Design
• John Taylor FIPG and Peter Rome FIPG, Chas Matthews Lapidaries Ltd – Gemstone Cutters
• Karina Martus FIPG, K. Martus Bespoke Jewellery, Designer / Diamond Mounter
• Mandos Demetriou FIPG, Mandos Jewellery of London, Diamond Mounter / Master Pattern Maker / Caster / Diamond Setter / Chaser
• Mike Shorer DCJ FGC FIPG, Mike Shorer Fine Jewellery, Goldsmith
• Ray Walton FIPG, Silversmith
• Rob Girling FIPG, Selini Jewellery Ltd, Jewellery Designer, Goldsmith and Diamond Setter
• Russell Lownsbrough FIPG, Designer Wax-Carver and Goldsmith
• Ruth and Chris Sherry FIPG, Sherry Jewellery, Designer Maker Goldsmiths
• Stanley Somerford FIPG, S.V.S Designs, Diamond Mounter
• Thomas Carl Johnson FIPG and Mandy Morris FIPG, WERK by TCJ Designers, Bespoke Jewellery
• Tom Wightman FIPG, Jewellery Designer and Goldsmith
• Wayne Meeten FIPG, WVM Studio, Silversmith
• Wayne Parrott FIPG, Engraver Chair of the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG)
Phil Horton FIPG explains: “This is the first time the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths has had the chance to have a dedicated exhibition to showcase the many skills that are available in our field. It is an opportunity for the public, students and other crafts men and women to meet and view the work of the Fellows of the IPG. Thanks to our links with the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we are looking forward to its success.”
Director Peter Taylor of the Goldsmiths’ Centre comments: “To create a beautiful piece not only takes an exceptional set of skills, but also the collaborative working of an often-anonymous community of jewellers, silversmiths and allied industry professionals. Working in partnership with the Institute of Professional Goldsmiths (IPG), we are delighted to be able to showcase the talent of their membership at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and give the public a glimpse into what it takes to be amongst the most respected craftspeople in the UK.”
The exhibition Hidden Treasures runs will run from 6 April to 3 May 2018 in the Atrium of the Goldsmiths’ Centre.
Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm
Admission is free.