British Jewellery and Craft Galleries
In June 2019 I moved back to the UK following two years of living in British Columbia on the west coast of Canada (that really is a whole other post that is yet to be written!)
Whilst in Canada I really loved getting to find new makers and galleries to explore in Vancouver, on Vancouver island and in some of the small but super creative towns that I visited across the province. I met many amazing artists and craftspeople and have included some links at the end of this post to some of my favourites.
However, it did make me realise just how many amazing Galleries and independent retailers that we have here in the UK. It is true that many wonderful Galleries have had to regrettably close their doors in recent years and I hope that those left are able to get through this difficult time. With that in mind and me also having the time to create blog posts during this time. I would love to share with you some of the Galleries I have been supported by and really loved working with since my return to the UK.
The Kath Libbert Gallery www.kathlibbertjewellery.co.uk @kathlibbertjewellery
It was a real dream of mine to show my Jewellery at the Kath Libbert Gallery this Christmas as past of their Berries, Baubles, Bling exhibition. The Gallery is located at the Salts Mill in Saltaire and is a stunning place to visit. I was over the moon to see my Jewellery alongside all of the AMAZING Jewellers who exhibit with the Gallery. It is nothing less than a treasure trove of Jewellery and I can’t wait for it to open again!
The New Ashgate Gallery @newashgate www.newashgate.org.uk facebook.com/newashgate
New Ashgate Gallery in Farnham (Surrey) are a Gallery I have been stocking for a few years now. They support new makers in their annual Rising Stars exhibition that takes place in March. Unfortunalty this years will have been cut quite short but you can take a look at the Galleries facebook page to see mini profiles for all of the makers who were selected for this year. The Gallery focuses not only on jewellery but print, painters, ceramics and glass as well. Plus they support Artists through a series of free seminars and outreach workshops.
SH Gallery Edinburgh @shjewelleryedinburgh www.shjgallery.com
The SH Gallery was established by Jeweller and Silversmith Sarah Hutchinson in 2011 where she showcases over 35 contemporary Jewellers. Sarah selected my Garland and Forget-Me-Not collections to display in her lovely Gallery. I have only just begun to start showing at Sarah’s Gallery and it will be top on my list of places to visit when we can travel again.
Leeds Craft and Design Gallery @craftleeds www.craftcentreleeds.co.uk
The Leeds Craft and Design Gallery are a brand new stockist of mine as I have only just sent them some work this February. They have been running since 1982 and have an excellent programme of events supporting makers in ceramics, jewellery, glass and textiles disciplines. Whilst their doors are unfortunately closed at this time you can explore their online archives to find out about all of their previous exhibitions, and purchase gift vouchers to be redeemed when the Gallery opens its doors again.
More Galleries from across the UK
CraftsCouncil.org.uk - An excellent source for finding your local Craft / Design Gallery can be found on the Crafts Council website where they feature up to date listings of events across the UK.
caa.org.uk - Contemporary Applied Arts is Londons original multi disciplinary applied arts gallery and have been championing craft for over 70 years.
Ruthin Craft Centre - Three Galleries on site that showcase the best in national + international contemporary applied art.
The Scottish gallery - The Gallery celebrated over 175 years of Art in 2017! It showcases a diverse range of premium artists and craftspeople and has some stunning jewellery in its collection.
For Jewellery these Galleries are a must see - Gill Wing Gallery - Tomfoolery London - Victoria Sewart Gallery - Diana Porter Gallery - Dazzle Exhibitions
The North West pacific - Galleries and artists that I came across in Canada.
CCBC- The Crafts Council of British Colombia is a Gallery space situated on Granville Island, Vancouver. It showcases the work of artists from across the province in a bright + beautiful space.
Clarissa long - Jeweller based in Vancouver
Louise Perrone - Jeweller Based in Vancouver
Kara Yoo - Jeweller based in Vancouver
Twist - Twist Gallery in Portland was a must visit for the variety of styles and techniques on offer from its makers.
Little Gold - Beautiful boutique on Vancouver Island selling contemporary Jewellery.
Museum of Anthropologie - You will need a fair amount of time on your hands to visit this museum. It has a very large collection of traditional objects made by first nations artists. And of many other cultures from across the world, including a changing exhibition programme. I really loved visiting the centre and finding out more about the artists who have lived in this area for over 10,000 years.
Bill Reid Gallery - Bill Reid was an acclaimed master Goldsmith and carver. His work fuses traditional Haida skills with a modern aesthetic. The engraving work is completely stunning and unlike anything I had seen before.