Goldsmith’s Fair 2016 – top class goldsmithery.

4 January 2017

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Goldsmiths’ Fair is the showcase of the best British goldsmiths and young talented jewelry designers. I can tell you that from the entrance, that is the main hall, I felt my heart racing at the thought that I was about to see over 150 exceptional designers…

You will not find commercial brands here, dear Magpie. It’s no use in looking for beads, charms or celebrity necklaces. Goldsmiths’ Fair is two weeks dedicated to goldsmithery masters, this is the fair that hosts the best, selected jewelry creators from Great Britain.

Magpie nest

The building in which the fair is host is impressive. I learned that it is the headquarter of The GOLDSMITHS’ Company since 14th century and they were responsible for testing the quality of gold and silver on the English market since 1300.

It is a historic place so the security is armed and does not allow me to film this beautiful interior, and I can only catch on the camera the collections of artists who had given their consent. I visited the fair last year for the first time, I was surprised then with a specific atmosphere of silence and focus and the guests present there. They are keenly interested in each stand, have a large knowledge of jewelry and are actively looking for unique specimens for their collections. It is as if the fair was visited by the whole team of PicaPica.pl Magpies along with their readers. I’m sure you are already visualizing it. It is extremely difficult to talk for a while with the designers, because they are always explaining something to the visitors, talking about their collections and showing trinkets.

Erin vs. Barbara

At the entrance to the fair we are welcomed by two exhibitions, the first presents the best pieces of the exhibition, selected this time by Erin O’Connor. Supermodel, fashion icon, about whom Karl Lagerfeld says, “one of the best models in the world.” Do you remember her controversial campaign for Moschino in 2001, or beautiful photos taken by Richard Avedon? This time, Erin guest acts as curator of Goldsmiths’ Fair. Among 150 exhibitors’ collections she selected 22 items that reflect her style. Jewelry which could be worn on different occasions and timeless silver which she would gladly exhibit inside her home.

The second special exhibition are the Barbara Cartlidge’s projects. The British jeweler born in Berlin, who presents in her collections an unconventional style of the post-war avant-garde. I love fashion, design and aesthetics of the 70s, so I cannot look away from the turntable-shaped ring, which was created in 1973.

Amazing items

On one of the posters promoting the fair last year was Amanda Mansell’s ring. The designer revealed to me that for the current edition she has prepared a bracelet to complement that ring. This was due to the suggestions of customers who visited her booth thinking that it was a bracelet on the poster.

You cannot take your eyes off from Tom Rucker’s stand. Amazing wedding rings. rings made of platinum and beautiful openwork, almost architectural weave conquers the hearts of many visitors. Tom Rucker is known for his incredible precision and pioneering use of laser technology in making the platinum jewelry. He won many awards, including Zaha Hadid Selects 2014.

The winner of the same award is also Ute Decker, the German-based artist and political and economic journalist. Geometric and architectural shapes are also present in her jewelry collection. I stop several times at the Jo McDonald’s collection, a combination of gold and black and white enamel is a perfect contrast. No time to lose, I have to try this gorgeousness on. During the conversation I learn that the designer has not only graduated from the famous Central St. Martin’s College, but also for a long time she has been making jewelry for celebrities and show-business stars in the Madame Tussaud’s gallery. Interesting job, right?

Unique fair

Why The Goldsmiths’ Fair should be on top of your list of goldsmiths’ fairs? How is it different from other fairs? What is so exceptional about it? Short summary below:

The mastery of craftsmanship are the first words that come into the mind after visiting this event, and you can just forget the word “commerce.”
Exhibitors are artists educated in the field of jewelry at the best European universities and schools. Their collections are signed with their own name, you can meet and talk to them directly.
Forget about commercial brands or long series collections. It is the unique character and originality that count.

Participation in the Goldsmiths’ Fair is an honor to all craftsmen in the jewelry industry, and for all the Magpies – the best opportunity to admire the goldsmith’s art in the elite group. What will the next edition surprise us with? As every year with the high level, we can be sure of that.

Zdjęcia: Patrycja Chudzińska