Goldsmiths’ Stories
Stories of craftspeople and creativity
For nearly 700 years the Goldsmiths’ Company has championed the trade and craft by nurturing and promoting the skills, talents and creativity of fine jewellers and silversmiths.
We’re passionately committed to amplifying the voices and stories of those who work in studios and behind benches, dedicating their lives to the creation of beautiful objects. Without this creative process there is no craft.
To celebrate these craftspeople and their creativity, we created Goldsmiths’ Stories - home for tales of the trade and craft of gold and silversmithing that are inspirational, engaging, educational, and true.
Rie Taniguchi: Shining a light on endangered species
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: Passion, dedication, and stunning gemstones
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.
Intricate surfaces: the silver of Yusuke Yamamoto
“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.
Adele Brereton and Eleanor Lakelin: A bit of a (mud)lark
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.
Baelo Art: Recasting ancient jewellery for the modern world
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.
The Secret World of Jewellery: Nicholas Lieou
In her new 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. In her first episode, Hong Kong based jewellery powerhouse Nicholas Lieou shares his experiences of guest designing for global brands in a journey that took him from the Royal College of Art to Tiffany & Co. This is his story.
Adi Toch: Place to place - a vessel for all time
Contemporary sculptor Adi Toch takes us on a momentous journey through the history of a particularly fascinating object which sparked her recent V&A commission: Place to Place.
Modern Masters: Cindy Chao
Following on from her first book Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelry, Melanie Grant examines the evolution of jewellery as art with a five-part series focused on some of jewellery’s modern masters.
Jewellers and the City: finding inspiration in the urban environment
Inspiration for jewellery can come from many sources, both concrete and conceptual – for Goldsmiths’ Stories, writer Rachel Church explores the impact, effect, and inspiration of cityscapes and the urban landscape on the practice of contemporary craftspeople Daphne Krinos, Jonathan Boyd and Vicki Ambrey-Smith.
Joanna Migdal: Standing the test of time
Metalsmith Joanna Migdal has been creating bespoke sundials for decades. Born from both a creative flair and her use of geometric precision, Joanna’s sundials are one-of-a-kind works of art that respond to her clients’ personalities. For Goldsmiths’ Stories, writer Liza Foreman met Joanna to learn more.
Callum Partridge: Honest. Playful. Serious.
Inspired by the contrasting rush of the city and tranquillity of the countryside, the work of silversmith Callum Partridge is both still and energetic. For his series on early career jewellers and silversmiths, Jonathan Foyle delves into the fascinating practice of this Stroud based maker.
Modern Masters: David Michael Jewels
Following on from her first book Coveted: Art and Innovation in High Jewelry, Melanie Grant examines the evolution of jewellery as art with a new five-part series created during lockdown with some of jewellery’s modern masters.