UK’s finest jewellery-makers and silversmiths head to Rotherham’s stately gem
Some of the UK’s finest makers will be displaying their handcrafted gold, silver, platinum and gemstone collections
When Rotherham’s architectural gem Wentworth Woodhouse was built more than 250 years ago, the Marquess of Rockingham insisted on using the finest artisans and materials.
His appreciation of design and craftsmanship created one of England’s most impressive country houses and Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust now employs the same degree of care and skill in its regeneration.
From November 13-15, though, a very different group of talented artisans will descend.
Sheffield’s prestigious annual shopping event Goldsmiths North is staging a ‘winter special’ at the mansion.
Some of the UK’s finest makers will be displaying their handcrafted gold, silver, platinum and gemstone collections in the State Dining Room, where King George V and Queen Mary dined in 1912.
Visitors can expect unique jewellery and contemporary silver pieces for the home - and the chance to meet highly-skilled makers.
Goldsmiths North launched in 2019 to celebrate Sheffield’s silversmithing history and support independent makers. It draws thousands to the Cutlers' Hall every summer for a luxurious shopping experience with leading independent silversmiths, goldsmiths and fine jewellery-makers.
Creating a winter version of the event at Wentworth Woodhouse is the brainwave of its founders, renowned silversmiths Brett Payne and Rebecca Joselyn.
Said Rebecca: “We were thinking of staging a pre-Christmas event and realised Wentworth Woodhouse was the ideal location. This magnificent historic setting is a true South Yorkshire gem. It was built with outstanding design and craftsmanship and no doubt the Marquesses of Rockingham and the Earls Fitzwilliam commissioned many beautiful items from Sheffield silversmiths and jewellers.
"We are bringing to the mansion a shopping experience that isn’t available on the high street – a chance to handle the silverware, try on the jewellery, engage with and buy directly from the makers themselves.
“We have selected 20 leading independent makers at the top of their game. They will be showcasing a wide range of precious metal and jewellery-making disciplines; from traditional silversmithing and stone-setting to working with the newest advances in technological tools.
“Expect to find one-of-a-kind treasures at every price range, from handmade silver stud earrings for under £100 to intricate gem-set jewellery and modern design classics selling for thousands of pounds.”
Some exhibitors will be travelling from as far as Cornwall, Glasgow and Caernarfon.
South Yorkshire makers include two women who have been supported by Yorkshire Artspace's Silver Space, which supports emerging silversmiths with business development and professional facilities at Sheffield’s Persistence Works.
Gonzo Studio is run by silversmith and jeweller Abigail Asher. Her collections often allude to her working class roots in her life in industrial cities; one star piece is a 9ct gold chip fork pendant embellished with the words: In Chips We Trust, and she is currently working on a Sheffield-inspired special commission for the Goldsmiths Company’s 700th anniversary next year.
Ghanaian-born Francisca Onumah is now an award-winning silversmith and jeweller. She works mainly with silver and copper and creates layered textures and patterns on sheet metal, which she shapes into minimalistic vessels and jewellery which often mimic human forms. Pieces are finished with dusky oxidisation and subdued matte silver highlights. Her work can be found at The V&A, Sheffield Museums, The Sheffield Assay Office and The Walker Art Gallery.
Sarah McLeod OBE, the CEO of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, said: “We are proud to welcome Goldsmiths North, which exists to support the sector and help makers earn a viable living. This event shines a light on precious metal artisans and some of the UK’s most talented makers will be in the room.”
Goldsmiths North at Wentworth Woodhouse runs from November 13-15, 10am-4pm in the State Dining Room. Tickets, priced £19.50, give unlimited access and re-entry during all three days and include entry to view the mansion, its current exhibition, Echoes of The House: Stories In Light and Motion, and visit the gardens. Book online at www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk