School of Jewellery is TV gold for BBC show
BIRMINGHAM’S historic School of Jewellery has been revealed as the location for BBC Two’s new prime time jewellery show, All That Glitters.
The series, which started this week, was filmed last summer at the 131-year-old landmark.
The six-part series is fronted by comedian Katherine Ryan who will see eight of the UK’s best jewellery makers battle it out to make two pieces set by the judges.
The show had teased its studio workshop as being based at a secret location in the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, but it has now been revealed to be Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery.
Founded in 1890, Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery provides courses such as silversmithing, horology and gemmology.
The school celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015, followed by visits from Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, HRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.
In 2019 the school was named the winner of the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize in recognition of its history of innovation spanning 130 years.
“I am delighted that we have had the opportunity to work with the BBC on this project,” said head of school, Professor Stephen Bottomley. The school will be in a brand new spotlight and it will give us all immense pride.”
The show’s judges are award-winning British designer Solange Azagury-Partridge and Shaun Leane, who has created ground-breaking catwalk jewellery with Alexander McQueen, and designed Princess
Beatrice’s engagement ring as well as fine jewellery for clientele including Lady Gaga and Elton John.
“It fills me with joy to see the art of jewellery making, which I have practised for 36 years, come to life on the screen and be transmitted into homes for everyone to enjoy,” said Mr Leane.
“The programme perfectly captures jewellery as a craft with all its different facets of intricacy, emotion, dedication and passion.”
All That Glitters airs on BBC Two at 8pm on Tuesdays.