WA Jewellery to headline in London
Seven Western Australian Jewellery designers will have their works displayed in London during the city’s prestigious design week.
The exhibition to be held at the Lesley Craze Gallery will showcase the work of Western Australians Dorothy Erickson, Carlier Makigawa, Felicity Peters, Gillian Rainer, Brenda Ridgewell, Christel van der Laan and David Walker.
A range of gold and silver pieces including brooches, necklaces and rings will be on show in the exhibition entitled Cinderella’s Stories: Contemporary Jewellery from Western Australia.
The gallery only stages two such shows each year.
The title of the exhibition Cinderella’s Stories: Contemporary Jewellery from Western Australia comes from a colloquial name the state was given during the discovery of gold in the 1880s, the ‘Cinderella of the South’.
The artists believe Perth’s status as the most isolated city in the world has bred self-reliance, and a sense of community amongst the artists. Each of these jewellers has had to be adaptable and self-reliant to succeed in the international arena.
One of the artists, Felicity Peters said she is delighted to be able to show her new work in the exhibition.
“This isn’t the first time I have exhibited in London, but it is always an honour to be part of an exhibition at Lesley Craze gallery.”
“The works I will have on show include an elongated corrugated bead in 18 ct gold and granulation combined with luscious tanzanite beads and corrugated sterling silver pendants over laid with 24ct gold sheet and granulation on long solid silver chains are also an up to date fashion statement. “
The curator of the exhibition Dorothy Erickson said because of their isolation in Perth, the jewelers always strive to achieve success overseas.
“I feel that this is a very strong exhibition and I am sure the work will delight many. To be part of Design Week is an added bonus,” she said.
Dorothy is also one of the jewellers presenting work in the exhibition.
Agent General Kerry Sanderson AO said that it was very pleasing to see the recognition given to the artists and jewellers from Western Australia when their works are exhibited in well-known London galleries and this exhibition should be no different.
Most of the artists were trained at Curtin University during its days as the Western Australian Institute of Technology and with the Western Australian chapter of the Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group Australia.
The exhibition runs from the 9th of September to the 14th of October. Entry is free.
For more information about the exhibition click here.
To find the Lesley Craze Gallery visit www.lesleycrazegallery.co.uk
Or for more information about London Design Week, click here.
Image above: Felicity Peters Tanzanite 18ct gold hand made 18ct gold granulated beads
Image below: Whole Heartedly Ring by Christel van der Laan
