David Watkins - At the forefront of contemporary jewellery
“Absolute precision is a beautiful thing.” For Goldsmiths’ Stories, award winning filmmaker Colin Tennant visited David Watkins to discuss his extraordinary 50-year career as a leading maker and educator at the forefront of contemporary jewellery in the UK and beyond.
In 2025, visitors to Goldsmiths’ Fair were given the opportunity to explore the work and legacy of David Watkins and Wendy Ramshaw CBE, through the exhibition “Watkins + Ramshaw: A New Vision”. A married couple who worked independently across different fields, materials and techniques, David and Wendy's influence has shaped perceptions of what contemporary jewellery can be for more than fifty years.
If you enjoyed this film, and would like to explore their work, and some of the stories behind it further, the exhibition book ‘Watkins + Ramshaw: A New Vision’is available to purchase now through our online bookstore.
“David Watkins - At the forefront of contemporary jewellery” was created for the Goldsmiths’ Company by Colin Tennant in 2025.