We are delighted to announce the 9th edition of the Jacobs the Jewellers Emerging Designer Competition this summer. Supporting craft skills and talent with the Bishopsland Educational Trust, the Goldsmiths’ Centre, and HS Walsh. In this year’s 75th anniversary year, award winning Jacobs the Jewellers, Reading’s oldest independent jewellery retailer, today revealed the return of its annual Emerging Designer competition featuring nine emerging designers from the Bishopsland Educational Trust.
Helping to boost fledgling careers, the event combines a virtual show with instore experience reflecting the local and national audience for amazing craft skills and design. As is customary, each competitor creates both a piece from a jewellery and a silver object category.
Competitors’ entries and voting are visible here and instore at Jacobs’ shop, 25, King Street in Reading. Voting takes place between Friday 21st July and midnight on Wednesday August 2nd.
The results will be announced on the afternoon of Thursday August 3rd, with the winner of each category winning £250, and the runners up £100 each, to spend on tools at HS Walsh, one of the UK’s leading jewellery tool suppliers, providing a helpful kick start to long lasting careers in the industry.
The annual competition has been made possible with the Bishopsland Educational Trust through the initiative, collaboration and support of Jacobs the Jewellers, the Goldsmiths’ Centre and HS Walsh. All parties support this competition, committing to the craft of silversmithing and jewellery and to the artists of the Bishopsland Educational Trust, as well as Reading as a creative centre in the South East.
Adam Jacobs, Partner, Jacobs the Jewellers:
“To think nine years ago we started working with Bishopsland; the time has flown by and my compliments to both the gang and their tutors! Seeing this year’s high standard work is both inspiring and gratifying– we look forward to seeing how the public vote and share with everyone. As ever, thanks to our co-presenting partners – they’ve been amazing supporters.”
Chris Oliver, Head of Professional Training, The Goldsmiths’ Centre:
“The Emerging Designer competition is a brilliant initiative for early career silversmiths and jewellers from Bishopsland Educational Trust to get a real-life retail experience. The Goldsmiths’ Centre is proud to be supporting an initiative that sees emerging makers thrive, connect and collectively grow their skills and businesses.”
Angela Cork, Principal, Bishopsland Educational Trust:
“We are thrilled to be showcasing the next generation of Bishopsland silversmiths and jewellers work at Jacobs the Jewellers. This is the 9th year in which we have collaborated on this initiative, and it is an important part of our annual programme, and we remain thankful to Adam Jacobs, HS Walsh and The Goldsmith’s Centre for their ongoing support for our makers and for our craft”.
HS WALSH:
“We are really pleased to be part of this fantastic event organised by Jacobs. I last attended in back in July 2018, with the standard of work, which was very high, I can’t believe this is going to the 8th edition. Looking forward to attending on Friday 1st July 2022 on behalf of Patrick Sheehan (CEO HS Walsh). Great to be involved in this extra special year for us celebrating our 75th Anniversary, alongside Jacobs the Jewellers, Bishopsland Educational Trust, The Goldsmiths’ Centre & Jelly.”
For press enquiries and interviews please contact:
Adam Jacobs, Partner
Jacobs the Jewellers
25, King St, Reading
T: 0118 959 0790
E: adam.jacobs@jacobsthejewellers.com
BISHOPSLAND
The Bishopsland Educational Trust is an internationally recognised, post-graduate residential programme. Participants receive intensive training in the hand craft skills required to elevate their work to the next level, alongside business skills training. There is an equal concentration on silversmithing and jewellery skills as well as the professional skills needed to thrive as a self-employed designer maker. This integrated approach makes the programme unique.
JACOBS THE JEWELLERS
Jacobs the Jewellers is a nationally renowned, award-winning Jacobs, established in 1948, is Berkshire’s leading independent jeweller, well known across Berkshire and the South East. Offering exquisite jewellery and silver with excellent levels of customer service; as well as our skilled on-site workshop and the only in-house CAD bespoke service in the immediate area.
THE GOLDSMITHS’ CENTRE
The Goldsmiths’ Centre is the UK’s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths. Since 2012, it has supported jewellers, silversmiths, and the wider precious metal industry, to improve skills and shape careers.
HSWALSH
HS Walsh was awarded a Royal Warrant to the Queen in 2016 Walsh are one of the leading suppliers of tools and equipment for jewellers and horologists. They have been supplying, Jewellery findings, clock and watch materials to the jewellery and horological trades for more than 75 years and export to more than 87 countries worldwide. Their service is backed up by knowledgeable staff who are always prepared to go that extra mile to ensure that the “customer” is 100% satisfied.
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