Sculptural simplicity is the order of the day at this year’s Goldsmiths’ Fair
Goldsmiths’ Fair’s annual showcase of contemporary jewellery is one of the highlights in the jewellery calendar. Uniting established designers with those just starting out, it presents an eclectic collection of jewels from the City of London’s imposing Goldsmiths’ Hall. This year, designers have explored the concept of simplicity, experimenting with materials and muted colour palettes to cast striking geometrical silhouettes.
Ute Decker
‘I am particularly drawn to the spiral as an archaic form,’ says economist-turned-jeweller Decker. ‘To me, it is a powerful allegory of our connections and common humanity.’ Decker spins her endless rounds in recycled silver and Fairtrade gold. ’I source my materials from small artisanal mining cooperatives,’ she adds.
Goldsmiths’ Fair runs from 24 - 29 September and 1 - 6 October at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London
Zheng Sheng
Zheng Sheng chooses to focus on the relationship between internal and external spaces for his intriguing collection of pieces. He utilises both traditional silversmith methods and digital technologies to craft pieces in sterling silver and jesmonite.
Goldsmiths’ Fair runs from 24 - 29 September and 1 - 6 October at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London
Lucie Gledhill
‘Rope symbolises confinement or restriction whilst simultaneously the opposite - joining together, strength in unity,’ says Lucie Gledhill of her intertwining gold. ‘I hope to capture these intriguing contradictions in my work.’ The jeweller’s new designs expose the link interiors on the outside, stripping away the mystery of making to reveal the craftsmanship at the core.
Goldsmiths’ Fair runs from 24 - 29 September and 1 - 6 October at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London
Emmeline Hastings
Emmeline Hasting’s background in sculpture informs her signature techniques of hand carving acrylic and embedding precious metallic elements into it. Her work is characterised by free flowing textures in acrylic and the waves of shimmering precious metals that seem to ripple through it. ‘It captures movement and curiosity,’ she explains, ‘as if the pieces are bristling with life.’
Goldsmiths’ Fair runs from 24 - 29 September and 1 - 6 October at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London
Ann Christensen
‘Having made functional silver tableware for years, my work is becoming increasingly abstract and less concerned with traditional perceptions of function,’ says Ann Christensen. The metalsmith’s new pieces contrast forms to create a tension; as in simple, substantial bowls ‘interrupted’ by lighter, complex structures.
Goldsmiths’ Fair runs from 24 - 29 September and 1 - 6 October at Goldsmiths’ Hall, London