Schmuck
02-Apr-2008
Schmuck, one of the most prestigious international events on the global jewellery scene, will be staged at Birmingham School of Jewellery, part of Birmingham City University from 10 April to 3 May 2008. Having taken place at Munich in March this year, its presence in Birmingham signals a huge honour for the city of Birmingham and Birmingham School of Jewellery, highlighting Birmingham’s importance in the international design arena.
Right: Artwork by Yoko Izawa; artist in residence at the Schmuck event at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University.
Now it in 49th year, Schmuck (which means ‘jewellery’ in German) attracts entries from jewellery artists all over the world. Jewellery from Europe is represented as are pieces from artists from Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, the US and Korea. The jewellers’ inventiveness is innovative and fascinating.
Professor Norman Cherry, Head of School of Jewellery, at Birmingham City University, has acted as mentor and talent spotter by identifying jewellers whose work is of appropriate standard to be considered for selection said: “It is an honour and of course we are very flattered to hold this event at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, the largest School of Jewellery in Europe. It is exciting to be associated with the most forward looking and exciting jewellery being created in the world today. It should prove inspiring for our students, existing designers and makers, inform our industry, and generally enhance our reputation as a university and a city which look to the future. I am also delighted to say that our artist in residence, Yoko Izawa, and international Research Fellow, Ted Noten ( http://www.tednoten.com ) have both been selected for Schmuck 2008.“
Each year the selection of jewellery artists is made a major figure in the field of jewellery. The selector for 2008 is Ralph Turner, one-time Head of Exhibitions at the Crafts Council, renowned author and consultant. From around 500 applicants from 36 countries, the London journalist and jewellery expert has made a high-quality selection of unusual jewellery by 59 artists from 22 countries.
Other artists displaying their work include Japanese artist Sayo Kojima, who is presenting brooches and pendants made from jet, exhibits by Jasmin Hesse from Germany which include a brooch in the shape of a dairy cow, Kazumi Nagano, also from Japan, showcases brooches made from Chinese ink, Japanese paper, nylon thread, gold and silver, and the American Shari Pierce’s exhibits include a chain made from cardboard and house paint. Schmuck exhibitor Helen Britton will be visiting the School of Jewellery on Tuesday 15 April to deliver a Guest Lecture, as well as giving a lecture to a group of members of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ) for the school is organising a special evening. Professor Norman Cherry was the first elected Chairman of the ACJ from 1997 – 2000. Opening hours are 10 till 6 Monday to Thursday and 10 till 4 on Fridays, the exhibition is not open at weekends. The exhibition is at the School of Jewellery located at Vittoria Street.