Diamond Jubilee - introduction

The first in a recent series of annual Members' Exhibitions, the theme reflected the Queen's celebrations, but allowed for many different approaches.

The exhibition toured five venues in three countries over the spring and summer.

Thirty two makers created pieces especially for the event, resulting in a wide variety of individual interpretations in precious and non-precious materials.  All the participating designers embraced the theme of Jubilee celebration with style, irreverence, humour and panache. Crushed gemstones, sweets and jellies, ribbon, graphite powder, flocked and sublimated materials, rub shoulders with diamonds, silver and 18ct gold, in a glorious celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s sixty years reign.

The exhibition opened at the School of Jewellery, Birmingham City University, and then started its tri-nation tour to Llantrisant, South Wales before showing at the newly opened Goldsmiths’ Centre, London – the first exhibition to be held there after its’ own opening Royal exhibition. This is a testament to the Association’s high profile, and to the Centre’s commitment to showing work in non-traditional as well as traditional materials, and used in non-traditional ways.