Bracknell jewellers win national awards

THREE Bracknell jewellers, two past and one present residents at South Hill Park, win at the Goldsmiths Craft and Design Council Awards.

Erica Sharp, the current resident jeweller and tutor since Jan 2023, won silver in the 3D Modellers for her wax carved sunflower for her piece entitled Sunflower Netsuke.

A netsuke is a type of Japanese miniature sculpture and style of jewellery worn on a kimono – a nod to Erica’s Japanese heritage.

Machi de Waard, resident jeweller from 2010-2011, won silver in the Smallworkers Design and bronze in Smallworkers & Modelmakers for her work of six scored miniature vessels.

Janet Richardson, resident jeweller from 1994-2000, won gold in the Horn and Polymers category, as well as winning the Worshipful Company of Horners award for her necklace incorporating a carved horn.

The presentation of the awards took place at the prestigious Goldsmith’s Hall in London. These awards are hailed as the Oscar’s of the jewellery and silversmithing world and they are held annually to ‘promote the pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and design among all those in the United Kingdom who work within silversmithing, goldsmithing, jewellery and allied crafts’.

Since leaving South Hill Park, Machi and Janet have worked together, and this culminated in their co-writing of the book Silver Jewellery Making published by Search Press.

All three jewellers are taking part in the forthcoming Henley Arts Trail, from Saturday May 4 until Tuesday May 7.

South Hill Park Arts Centre has a wellequipped jewellery and silversmithing Studio where many courses are held.