Goldsmiths' Fair 2012
23 July 2012
30 years of supporting the skills and artistic talents of the country's most creative and skilled contemporary jewellers adn silversmiths.
This autumn the annual Goldsmiths’ Fair momentously celebrates its 30th Anniversary!
While a 60th anniversary is associated with diamonds, 30 years are commemorated with pearls – spherical beads, made up of lustrous layers of minute crystals of calcium carbonate that develop in the living tissue of an oyster into exquisite natural jewels.
Rather like the pearl, over the past three decades Goldsmiths’ Fair has evolved into what is now universally regarded as one of the gems in the contemporary design calendar, beloved by designer-makers and collectors alike.
The first Goldsmiths’ Fair took place in 1983 and is now the most visual and high profile way in which the Goldsmiths’ Company supports its trade, something it has been doing for more than 700 years. With a considerable national and international following, the Fair today is the ultimate show-case of what is up-to-the-minute in the world of contemporary jewellery and silver, demonstrating stylish, innovative design, combined with high quality workmanship.
Over a period of two weeks 180 jewellers and silversmiths present – in person – their latest designs and collections to an ever-expanding, appreciative audience. There is jewellery and silver for every occasion and in a wide variety of styles and permutations – each piece reflecting the unique creativity and artistic personality of the individual designer-maker working in precious metal.
Aside from the incredible range of exciting jewellery and silver, one of the particularly special aspects of the Fair is being able to meet the designers themselves. This gives an insight into the whole making process from start to finish – something which is rarely achievable when buying off the peg from a shop. The whole experience is therefore more personal and comes with added value, while commissioning a new piece takes the whole process to an even more intimate and satisfying level.
From its start 30 years ago, Goldsmiths’ Fair has not only been a platform for the most acclaimed independent designer-makers on the scene but has reached out to find exciting, emerging young talent. This year is no different. Ten graduate designers – five in each week – have been given free stands to exhibit their work to the discerning audience that attends the Fair. The contacts, relationships, knowledge – and best of all, the sales – made during the Fair are invaluable and provide these young graduates with a major boost at a critical moment in their careers. This is another way the Goldsmiths’ Company supports and fosters the development of young craftspeople.
GOLDSMITHS’ FAIR 2012 – 30th ANNIVERSARY
Week One: 24 September – 30 September
Closed October 1 for change over of exhibitors
Week Two: 2 October – 7 October
Entrance by catalogue purchasable on the door (£7 for one week, £12 for two weeks)