Further info from Goldsmiths Hall:
Day of Knowledge at Goldsmiths’ Hall - Thursday June 10, 2010
Talks at 11.00am, 2.00pm, 4.30pm and 6.45pm
Designed for anyone with a passion for designer jewellery this enlightening day will be hosted by jewellery expert and historian Joanna Hardy, senior specialist at Sotheby's for 15 years. The day will be divided into a series of illustrated talks given by Joanna Hardy together with jewellers Shaun Leane and Leo de Vroomen. Part of the Company's renowned collection of contemporary jewellery, rarely seen by the public, will also be on special display for this occasion.
Joanna Hardy — Jewellery is an Art Form Part I (1900-1960) - £20
10.30am — Coffee and pastries
11.00am — Illustrated talk
Joanna Hardy will give an historical perspective on artist jewellers and their influences from 1900 to 1960. From Art Nouveau, the rebellious Arts and Crafts movement, the glamour of Art Deco to the sobriety of the war years, the jewels from these periods are desired by discerning collectors the world over not just for their intrinsic value but for their artistic merit.
Leo De Vroomen — A Craftsman at Large - £30
13.00 — Two course lunch with wine
14.00 — Illustrated talk
Leo de Vroomen is recognised today as one of the world’s most prestigious designers of bespoke jewellery and is renowned for his unique use of enamel. Leo de Vroomen will talk about his career as a designer and goldsmith, in particular about the art of repoussé, a skill he perfected over many years of painstaking training and practise. Very few jewellers these days are as accomplished in this ancient and exacting technique.
Since the mid 1970s Leo de Vroomen has always pushed the limits which constrain the jewellery world choosing to explore and constantly develop without being influenced by commercialism.
Design awards and inclusion in many public and private collections are proof that his innovative approach has been recognised by an international audience.
Joanna Hardy — Jewellery as an Art Form Part II (1960-2010) - £20
16.00 — Cream tea
16.30 — Illustrated talk
Joanna Hardy will assess the ground-breaking exhibition held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in 1961 which helped pave the way for jewels to be seen as an “art form”. The recession of the 1970s allowed different styles and materials to come into vogue before moving into the prosperity of the 1980s and a booming market.
Today there is a growing appreciation for jewellery that is individual and unique. Contemporary jewels that have not compromised on the importance of craftsmanship and originality will stand the test of time to become the collectable art of the future.
Shaun Leane — Tradition Meets Fashion - £30
18.15 — Champagne and Canapés
18.45 — Illustrated talk
Awarded UK Jewellery Designer of the Year, Shaun Leane is internationally celebrated for his darkly romantic, beautifully crafted innovative jewels which have been described as “antiques of the future”.
Jewellery has always been about romance reflecting the world of intimacy and secrecy and Shaun Leane will describe his fascination with the emotional and evocative mourning jewels and eye miniatures of the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition he will explain how the master-jewellers of the 1920s and 1930s constantly impress and inspire him. It is his understanding and appreciation of these past designs that have influenced his collections today.
His first introduction into the world of fashion and his collaboration with the genius couturier Alexander McQueen helped shape his artistic talents by taking the elements of fashion and tradition to create highly stylish jewels for the 21st century.
To book places please call the Promotions Department at Goldsmiths’ Hall on 0207 367 5907 or email
promotion@thegoldsmiths.co.uk.