Acquisitions for the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection 2022–23
The gifts, commissions and purchases outlined in this report broaden and extend the story of remarkable contemporary jewellery, silver and medals in the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, and honour our ongoing commitment to supporting the trade and craft.
The Goldsmiths’ Company has supported excellence, craftsmanship, community and skill in the goldsmiths’ community ever since it received its first charter in 1327. That commitment is represented in the Company’s fine Collection of mainly British contemporary and historic plate, modern jewellery and art medals. Our ambitious plans to digitise the Collection will eventually make it freely available online.
A remarkable series of Company commissions was completed during the year, including an innovative Court Cup by Grant MacDonald for Richard Reid; our first Trade Warden’s Badge, designed by Richard Fox; and a superb art medal by Nicola Moss to mark Dr Timothy Schroder’s second term as Prime Warden.
We were proud to see The Late Queen wearing the Company’s gift of a specially commissioned Platinum Jubilee Brooch when she ‘lit’ the first beacon marking her Platinum Jubilee. The Late Queen chose the design herself from a selected shortlist and suggested an additional element that was incorporated in the winning design by David Marshall London. Further acquisitions appropriately celebrated the goldsmith’s art in platinum: Melanie Eddy’s paired faceted rings, sculpture for the body in platinum and silver. Tom Rucker’s impressive pendant featured specially manipulated platinum colour effects and linear laser welding of great delicacy.
There have been generous gifts. Associate Member Helen W. Drutt English presented a fine group of miniature gold sculptures by Breon O’Casey in memory of the artist, and two jewels by the influential American maker, Helen Shirk. Robert A. Hiller gave us two superb pieces by jewellers new to the Collection: a silver brooch by Mirjam Hiller with its precious design model, and an outstanding ring by the late Annamaria Zanella.
Ginnie de Vroomen presented the superb ‘Aurum’ bangle, made to her design as a gift by her husband, Leo de Vroomen. Malcolm Appleby gave us design drawings and two ‘Banchory’ bangles. Rosamond Conway gave us her beautiful designs for her 2008 Company commission. Timothy Came and family presented his late father’s Court Cup by Rod Kelly. The Prime Warden, Lord Bridges, has also given his fine cup by Jane Short and Clive Burr to the Collection.
The Company’s pioneering support for contemporary makers continues to inspire artistry and excellence in precious metal as we move towards our 700th Anniversary in 2027.
Dr Dora Thornton
Curator of the Goldsmiths’ Company Collection