The Duchess of Cornwall receives Livery Company Badge designed by Goldsmiths’ Centre students
On Wednesday 27th May 2015, HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall, Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers, was officially presented with a new Livery Badge at Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London. With inspiration drawn from the ornate plasterwork of the Hall, the jewel was designed by Joshua Gane, a 19 year old trainee on the Foundation Programme at the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell London, where the piece was also made in the studio of silversmith Clive Burr.
The Master of The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall © Phil McCarthy
This unique jewel is the result of a competition sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Plaisterers - which, seeing the opportunity to encourage a young craftsperson beginning their career in the craft and industry of goldsmithing, identified the Goldsmiths’ Centre as the ideal partner for this project. These ‘live’ projects form an integral part of training of young people at the Centre, providing the chance to work with real clients and craftspeople who ultimately produce the final piece.
Joshua Gane spent a year learning the craft skills on the Foundation Programme © Julia Skupny
10 Foundation Programme students receive a year's training with Master craftspeople © Julia Skupny
A design brief was created and those studying at the Goldsmiths’ Centre and pursuing apprenticeships through The Goldsmiths’ Company Apprenticeship Programme were encouraged to produce designs inspired by Plaisterers’ Hall. Joshua drew his inspiration from the building’s plasterwork incorporating patterns and floral motifs along with the coat of arms of the Company, which he symbolised through the tools of the plasterers’ trade. He also included silver, silver gilt, opaque blue and white enamel, diamond and blue sapphires, creating a piece that can be worn elegantly as either a brooch or pendant.
Joshua Gane's hand drawn design for the Plaisters' Assistant Badge
Joshua Gane explains: “The main inspiration for my design came from various pieces of plasterwork in Plaisterers’ Hall, which I saw when visiting. The piece has the ability to be worn as a brooch or as a pendant on a ribbon. I can’t wait to see my final design being presented to The Duchess of Cornwall.”
Nigel Bamping, The Clerk of The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers explains: “It has been a pleasure for us to work with the Goldsmiths’ Centre and particularly with Josh to produce a fabulous Livery Badge for HRH the Duchess of Cornwall. The Badge confirms Her Royal Highness’ position as an Honorary Liveryman of the Company. The Plaisterers’ Company is pleased to have this opportunity to support the training of Apprentices in this way and the Goldsmiths’ Centre should be proud of its ability to nurture talented young people. Not surprising the standard of the designs produced by all of the students was very high but Joshua’s design perfectly combined the Company’s coat of arms with the architectural beauty of Plaisterers’ Hall.”
The Master of The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers awards Joshua Gane © Phil McCarthy
After his design was selected Joshua was then involved in the production of the piece as it was crafted by skilled individuals that are based in the Goldsmiths’ Centre under the watchful eye of Clive Burr and his workshop team.
Commenting on the importance of these projects, Chris Oliver, Curriculum Leader, said: “We see professional practice as being at the heart of what we teach here at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. For Joshua to be able to work with a sympathetic and supportive client at this early stage in his career is an amazing opportunity. He was not only able to design the piece, but also follow through from production to presentation giving him a real insight into the world of work. Ultimately we aspire that all of the young people that we support secure either a job through an apprenticeship or go on to further study. Competitions such as this provide them with a great stepping stone.”
Joshua Gane was joined by his fellow Foundation Programme students © Phil McCarthy
The Badge was presented at a Livery Reception attended by Liverymen of the Plaisterers’ Company and their guests, together with representatives of various organisations with whom the Company is associated.
See www.goldsmiths-centre.org for further information on training courses offered at the Goldsmiths’ Centre or www.plaistererslivery.co.uk for an insight into the work of The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers.
Notes to Editors
About the Goldsmiths' Centre
The Goldsmiths’ Centre is the leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths. Founded by The Goldsmiths’ Company in 2007, it is a charitable enterprise with a specific purpose: “To advance, maintain and develop art, craft, design and artisan skills, including in particular but without limitation, those pertaining to goldsmithing”. It does this by
- Providing managed workspace, education and training for public benefit
- Fostering promoting and extending public interest in art, craft, design and artisan skills
- Providing a knowledge base and community for those engaged or interested in these skills.
For further information, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org
About The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers
The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers was originally formed as a trade guild of the City of London to regulate the quality of plastering in the City and to safeguard the welfare and interests of plasterers. It received its first Royal Charter from King Henry VII in 1501.
Today the Company has three areas of activity being, support for the Lord Mayor and the City of London, support for the Armed Forces through a number of affiliations and charitable activity focused largely on education and training. In particular it supports the craft of plastering through annual awards, training bursaries and support to young people entering the trade.
For further information, visit www.plaistererslivery.co.uk
About the Goldsmiths' Company
One of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, The Goldsmiths’ Company received its first Royal Charter in 1327. The Company’s London Assay Office has been responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of precious metals.
The Company is the principal patron of modern jewellers and silversmiths in the UK, continuing to play an important role in support of the craft, funding apprenticeships and assisting with the technical training of aspiring designer-makers. The Company supports a wide range of other charitable causes and pursues a number of educational projects with schools.
For more information, visit www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk