The Goldsmiths' Centre in Clerkenwell celebrates its 5th Birthday
On 25th April 2017, the Goldsmiths’ Centre in Clerkenwell, London, celebrated its 5th Birthday and its continuing support for the growth of the UK jewellery and silversmithing industry with over 200 of its closest friends, partner organisations and alumni. The event also marked the launch of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s new Impact Report and animated film, which illustrates its achievements over the past 5 years and future plans.
our creative network has grown and is reaching out beyond our walls
Karine Lepeuple, Deputy Director of the Goldsmiths' Centre
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 contemporary 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
A gold leaf Birthday cake helps to celebrate the occasion
Founded by the Goldsmiths’ Company, one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, the Goldsmiths’ Centre provides an unrivalled facility for jewellers, silversmiths and craftspeople in the allied trades to excel and thrive in their careers. Since opening in 2012, the charity has nurtured the technical craft skills of 44 exceptional young people through its Foundation Programme and seen the next generation of 36 Goldsmiths’ Company Apprentices successfully establish themselves in the trade. Its business support programmes have helped 237 young graduates and aspiring jewellers gain the right skills to start their careers, whilst 83 craftspeople work daily from its workshop and studio spaces establishing their businesses. With over 1,000 members, it is also growing its creative community and support beyond its walls, providing a social platform for individuals to attend inspiring talks, access benefits and make their connections in the trade.
Guests gather to celebrate the Goldsmiths' Centre's 5th Birthday
The celebrations see the launch of the Goldsmiths' Centre's Impact Report
The Chief Executive and Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Sir David Reddaway, explains: “The Goldsmiths’ Centre is the jewel in the crown of today’s Goldsmiths’ Company. It ensures that our 700-year-old connection to the trade, craft and industry is vibrant and relevant. There isn’t any other organisation in the UK that can do what the Centre does to provide support, promote skills, and train the new generation of craftspeople.”
The Goldsmiths’ Centre is looking to inspire new creative ways of thinking, injecting imagination and innovative approaches into a traditional industry. Over the past five years a changing programme of 34 exhibitions and displays has been hosted in partnership with prestigious organisations such as Contemporary British Silversmiths (CBS) and the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council (GCDC). Thought-provoking events have attracted over 3,400 attendees and have helped to change perceptions and attitudes within the trade and connect up the industry both across and beyond creative disciplines. Since 2014, it has actively taken part in Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), the UK’s leading independent design festival, and will be building this year on previous success from 23rd to 25th May, hosting The Serendipity Studio, an environment where visitors can attend drop-in demonstrations and talks on design innovation and find inspiration relevant to their industry.
Guests discover their connections to others at the 5th Birthday celebrations
Polaroid pictures are linked together with yellow string to highlight connections between guests
Peter Taylor, Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre comments: “5 years marks a key milestone for the Goldsmiths’ Centre. It is phenomenal to reflect on what has been achieved since opening in 2012! Our aim is to build on our charity’s success, growing, promoting and supporting innovation. We hope to protect the future of this exceptional industry through our knowledge, passion and commitment to creativity, craftsmanship and community and by working with partners from across the sector here in the UK and further afield.”
Prime Warden Michael Wainwright, Managing Director of British luxury jewellery retailer Boodles, congratulates the Goldsmiths' Centre
Students, apprentices, staff and resident craftspeople collaborate to build towers
Edward Braham, Chair of Trustees at the Goldsmiths' Centre, makes a speech
Giant window vinyls on the outside of the building depicting the number 5 mark the occasion
Guests build new structures mirroring the unique Serendipity Studio installation
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; and providing a knowledge base and community for those engaged or interested in these skills. For more information, visit goldsmiths-centre.org