In 2023 The Hugo Burge Foundation opened a state-of-the-art silversmithing workshop on their Marchmont campus supported by a generous donation of tools, machinery and books by the late Master silversmith Graham Stewart. For Goldsmiths’ Stories, Eleni Bide learns how this workshop on the Scottish Borders provides mentorship and support to early career silversmiths.

David Clarke has gained a reputation as the 'bad boy' of British silversmithing, carving a distinct route through the world of contemporary craft. For Goldsmiths’ Stories, writer Rolf Hughes reports on this contemporary alchemist, who rejoices in unlikely connections.

In the studios of Stuart Jenkins, Seth Kennedy and Callum Partridge, you’ll find subtle clues that their work with metal extends beyond the precious, and their tools beyond those of their respective trades.

For Goldsmiths’ Stories, writer Janice Hosegood explores the passion that these three accomplished metalsmiths share for the restoration, maintenance and enjoyment of vintage vehicles and the communities that form around them.

“Through my pieces, I try to instil a renewed sense of discovery that is sometimes lost in the seriousness of life, although the most important thing for me is always to say something compelling about the animal in question. Sometimes, a deeper abstraction serves that purpose.” – For Goldsmiths’ Stories, jeweller Clio Saskia talks to Kate Matthams about her background in sculpture, fossiking for sapphires in the Australian Gemfields, creating animal magic in precious metal, and the responsible and ethical use of materials.

For Goldsmiths’ Stories, artist and jeweller Bibi van der Velden talked to writer Kate Matthams about approaching jewellery-making from a sculptural perspective, working with sustainable and often unusual materials, and the creation of her exquisitely rendered and jewelled menagerie.

In her new three part series The Secret World of Jewellery, Melanie Grant delves behind-the-scenes of the jewellery industry to share the secret ways and wisdom of its pioneers. For the second episode in the series, British designer maker Sara Prentice tells the story of her journey from The Kent Institute of Art and Design to becoming the Creative Director of Garrard, via Cartier, Graff and Faberge, of making jewels fit for royals and rock stars, and the enduring importance of good design.

For Goldsmiths’ Stories, writer Sarah Royce-Greensill talks with British-Nigerian designer-maker Shola Branson about having an outsider's perspective, making things properly, and manifesting your own destiny.

Rie Taniguchi is a Japanese born, British based artist who specialises in depictions of endangered “and under-appreciated” animals in precious metals and stones, predominantly Britannia silver. For Goldsmiths’ Stories she talked to writer Kate Matthams about raising awareness through art, and a lifelong interest in all creatures great and small.

Mark Nuell, comes from a background of drive, commitment, and quiet determination. For Goldsmiths’ Stories, Janice Hosegood talks with the internationally renowned jeweller and gem cutter about his unconventional upbringing, distinctive style, and unique approach to working with gemstones. 

“Small elements of inspiration form layers in my head and sometimes connect together to become a story that I translate into silver.” For Goldsmiths’ Stories, Kate Youde speaks with Japanese Silversmiths Yusuke Yamamote about using everyday observations and sensory experiences to tell stories with silver.

Writer Corinne Julius delves into the fascinating discoveries of silversmith Adele Brereton and woodworker Eleanor Lakelin, who use the unique treasures washed up on the Thames foreshore as starting points for artistic collaboration.

Drawing on Seville’s rich multicultural history, Baelo Art and Jewellery, the partnership of Isobel Torres and goldsmiths Juan-Jose Marmalejo, creates jewellery using traditional techniques, that draws inspiration from ancient relics. Writer Mazzi Odu explores the collaboration for Goldsmiths’ Stories.