London jewellers – worthy successors to the makers of the Cheapside Hoard

Associated media

‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’

21 November 2013 – 27 April 2014

Museum of London, Free

The Museum of London celebrates the creative talents of some of London’s most exciting contemporary jewellery designers with the opening of the new exhibition, ‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’.

Part of the Museum of London’s Jewellery Season, the exhibition brings together seven London-based contemporary jewellers. Delving into the creative processes and working methods of the designers, the exhibition paints a picture of London as a source of inspiration and innovation. Beyond presenting their work, the exhibition explores the unique professional identity of each designer, giving a snapshot of their world and imagination.

‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’ is co-curated by the Museum’s Senior Fashion Curator, Beatrice Behlen and AnOther Magazine’s Fashion Editor, Agata Belcen. It features the jewellers Jordan Askill, Imogen Belfield, Rachel Boston, Duffy, Husam el Odeh, Noemi Klein and Frances Wadsworth-Jones, whose work is produced in the capital. Each designer’s distinctive approach to their work is fundamental to the design of the exhibition, giving each their own mini-installation:

Jordan Askill’s display focuses on the relation of his larger work to his ‘portable sculptures’ and filmic outputs of his interest in movement.

Husam el Odeh recreates part of his London studio as a setting for pieces that demonstrate the development of his work.

Noemi Klein’s jewellery has been specially created for the museum and displayed in four different scenes designed by Dámaso Randulfe.

The installation of Imogen Belfield’s pieces reflects traditional displays of the crystals that inspire her.

Duffy’s collection of objects relates his work to other interests he pursues.

Rachel Boston’s dioramas play on the original habitat of the creatures from which her work takes its inspiration.

Frances Wadsworth-Jones’ display evokes the sense of humour that is so apparent in her work.

Museum of London’s Senior Fashion Curator Beatrice Behlen said: 

In the 21st century, it is not enough for a jewellery designer to create beautiful pieces. Designers have to create a unique identity and aesthetic, which becomes bound up in their work. Through ‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’, we wanted to bring together some of the most exciting, imaginative and boundary-pushing jewellers working in London today. We wanted to see how they have harnessed their interests and inspiration to make their collections stand out, while simultaneously exploring how each is influenced by the city around them. Having previously worked with Agata on the film, Time Machine, made by Quentin Jones, and based on the museum’s collections, I knew working together would make this journey even more fascinating. I am particularly pleased to see how well ‘Made in London’ links to our ‘Cheapside Hoard’ exhibition and the idea of craftsmanship and unique style.

Co-Curator, Agata Belcen said: 

London is a great cultivator of inspiring jewellery design, with so many creatives at work across the city influencing the fashions of the day. That’s why ‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’ is so important. It celebrates the newest generation of jewellery designers making their mark. From Frances Wadsworth-Jones’ tongue-in-cheek designs inspired by London’s humble pigeons to Noemi Klein and Rachel Boston taking their cue from nature and Jordan Askill’s personal ‘mini sculptures’, this exhibition shows that jewellery today is about so much more than aesthetics. Humour; the uncanny; the macabre; transforming everyday things. All these things and more are considered by today’s designers and, in turn, confronted in ‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’.

As well as jewellery, ‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’ presemts illustrations, inspirational objects and original source material to give visitors a glimpse of what goes on behind the design studio door. Whether defined by humour, darkness and the macabre or stretching the limitations imposed by materials, this exhibition aims to evoke a sense of wonder and surprise. It also celebrates the melting pot of individual style and artistic vision that defines London, and its influence over global design trends.

‘Made in London: Jewellery Now’ runs alongside Museum of London’s major new exhibition, ‘The Cheapside Hoard: London’s Lost Jewels’, which opened on Friday 11 October. The Cheapside Hoard is the world’s largest and finest collection of Elizabethan and early Stuart jewellery, found by builders buried deep underground in London’s Cheapside back in 1912, where the treasure trove had lain undisturbed for nearly 300 years. Jewellery Season also encompasses ‘Tomfoolery’ – a small photography exhibition looking at men and their relationships with jewellery.