As part of the British Fashion Council’s initiative to open London Fashion Week to consumers as well as global trade, Stephen Webster has curated an interactive installation featuring talented designers and craftsmen from Hatton Garden and Rock Vault.   

The engaging showcase is exhibited as part of the Positive Fashion Designer Exhibition and opened today at 180 The Strand.  It explores the history and services of London’s Jewellery District, Hatton Garden.

‘Stephen Webster – The Story of London’s Jewellery Hub’ plays out Stephen's personal journey as an apprentice in Hatton Garden. He says, “These days the manufacturing side of the business has shrunk considerably, but not entirely. This year at LFW, I am proud to be curating an installation that will demonstrate how established, and very new jewellery businesses, who want to proudly state that their product is made in England, still need all the skills on offer. The installation includes demonstrations and physical pieces that are examples of all the skills required to make any piece of jewellery from a simple stud to a tiara.”

Adam Phillips, Account Manager at The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office was excited to take part as one of the participating experts, and demonstrated how we test precious metal and apply hallmarks.

Throughout the week, there will be workshops, demonstrations and talks by further specialist master craftspeople including: 

• Mike Oddy (Stephen Webster) – Engraving, carving and setting

• Chris Oliver (Goldsmiths' Centre) – Providing workbench, artefacts & examples of skills

• Jason Holts - Lapidary demo

• Alan Hart (GemA) – Microscope with stones & talk 

The exhibition will be held at the Positive Fashion Designer Exhibition, open to trade and public audiences at 180, The Strand, from Friday 13th – Tuesday 17th September. Open to the public on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th. 

Image courtesy of Stephen Webster.