I’m delighted to be exhibiting my work once again at this years Goldsmiths’ Fair in London. The Goldsmiths Company has supported the development of my work since 2008 during my jewellery degree at Truro College. Whilst studying I was awarded with their precious metal bursary for my designs and a couple of years later I was lucky enough to be awarded a graduate stand at my first time exhibiting at the fair. Graduate stands at Goldsmiths Fair are free and funding is also provided towards precious materials to allow graduates to showcase their best work without the restrictions of funding precious materials. For me, this first experience exhibiting at the fair was a huge success and without a doubt a pivotal moment in my jewellery career.
One of the grand halls of Goldsmiths’ Fair
As a regular exhibitor of the fair today, the event is the highlight of my year. Not only does the fair offer a unique opportunity to showcase my work to a discerning and invested audience, it also encourages exhibitors to continue to grow in their practice. By encouraging the development of new ideas and skills, the fair aims to showcase the very best of UK talent today.
Goldsmiths’ Fair takes place in the magnificent Goldsmiths Hall which is in the Barbican region of central London, just a stones throw from St.Pauls cathedral. Established over forty years ago, the fair brings together 136 of the UK’s best contemporary jewellers and silversmiths. Weather you’re looking for a set of silver candlesticks or spoons, an engagement ring or pair of statement earrings, the fair offers a unique opportunity to invest in high quality contemporary design by buying direct from the master craftspeople themselves. And with a vast range of skills, styles, materials and techniques on show, visitors can find pieces to suit all tastes while taking in each display (often with a glass of bubbles from the Goldsmiths’ Fair champagne bar!).
My stand at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2022
My favourite thing about exhibiting at Goldsmiths’ Fair is the opportunity to meet customers face to face. As a maker, there’s nothing like seeing your work being explored and enjoyed in the flesh – especially seeing faces light up when experiencing my signature opening flower lockets for the first time (sometimes second or third!). Physical events like Goldsmiths’ Fair are invaluable for introducing my work to new audiences, forging new connections, fuelling old ones and bridging the gap between maker and wearer. This years line up is as exciting as ever and I can’t wait to be there.
My Latest Design to be Unveiled at Goldsmiths’ Fair
Keen followers of my work will know that I design a new opening flower locket each year and this years flower is the adorable Forget-Me-Not. This tiny, delicate bloom represents love, fidelity and remembrance and is also the national flower of Alaska. The sprinkle of tiny blue meadow flowers symbolises a promise that you will always keep someone in your heart – a perfect gift for someone moving away or an heirloom piece of jewellery to remember a loved one who has passed.
As well as my whole collection of opening flower lockets, this year I will also be showing a selection of new statement earrings. I’ve wanted to explore working on a larger scale with earrings for a long time and I’m looking forward to showing these exciting new pieces at this years fair.
Forget Me Not Studs in 9ct gold and champagne diamonds
Visiting Goldsmiths’ Fair
Goldsmiths’ Fair runs over two weeks with a different set of exhibitors in each week. If you’re hoping to see a particular maker during your visit, be sure to scan the Exhibitor List first to check which week they are in. You can find me there during week one; 26th Sept – 2nd Oct.
My top advice for anyone visiting the fair for the first time is to take your time and to ask makers if you have any questions about their work – that’s what we are there for and no question is a silly one. It’s easy to get swept away with the first thing you see but make sure you explore all the stands before making your final decisions. Many visitors do two rounds of browsing with a lunch or coffee break in between to consider potential purchases. You will be given a beautiful catalogue with your entry ticket and many visitors find this useful for jotting notes in as they go around. Goldsmiths Hall itself is stunning so take your time to enjoy the elaborate ceilings and chandeliers and make use of the coat store, powder room and champagne bar!
Entrance hall of Goldsmiths’ Fair
Tickets for Goldsmiths Fair
You can buy tickets to the fair by clicking here – Tickets cost £25 for week one and you can pop in and out multiple times across the week. You will also get a free catalogue on entry.
Goldsmiths’ Fair 2023 Dates and Opening Times
When is Goldsmiths’ Fair?
- Week One: 26 September to 1 October
- Week Two: 3 October to 8 October 2023
Where is Goldsmiths’ Fair?
Goldsmiths’ Fair, Goldsmiths’ Hall, Foster Lane, EC2V 6BN
Goldsmiths’ Fair Opening Times:
- 11am – 6.30pm Tuesday to Saturday (last entry at 6pm)
- 11am – 4.30pm Sunday (last entry at 4pm)
I hope to see you there!
Victoria x
My stand at Goldsmiths’ Fair 2022
