Mima to open permanent gallery

The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (Mima) is set to open a new “world-class” permanent jewellery gallery. The jewellery gallery, opening on October 4, will showcase more than 100 pieces of jewellery exhibiting the collection to the public for the first time. The jewellery gallery will be the first permanent gallery within the Mima building since its opening in 2007. The Mima jewellery collection is described as one of the most significant in the UK alongside those held by the Victoria & Albert Musuem, National Museums Scotland and the Crafts Council. Started at the Cleveland Craft Centre in 1984, the collection has since amassed pieces ranging from bangles and neckpieces, to rings and brooches from UK and international designers including Ted Noten, Karl Fritsch, Wendy Ramshaw, Caroline Broadhead, Felieke Van Der Leest and Emmy Van Leersum and others. In total the collection is worth over £200,000, with the earliest piece dating from the 1970’s. The collection will also include 15 pieces from independent British jewellery designers, Tatty Devine, who gifted the pieces to Mima to celebrate the gallery launch. As part of the project, jewellery artists Gemma Draper and Janet Hinchliffe McCutcheon have been appointed jewellers in residence at Teeside University, where they are working alongside students to share their expertise and skills in decorative adornment. Alix Collingwood, Mima curator, said: “We are extremely proud of our jewellery collection, which is unique in the UK in its focus and comparable with important collections of contemporary jewellery at the V&A and the Crafts Council. “It’s an amazing resource to have in Middlesbrough and to be able to open it up to the public in this way in incredible.” To mark the opening of the new gallery space, Mima will be offering a weekend of family activities, including jewellery workshops and talks. The gallery has been realised due to a grant of almost £300,000 from Arts Council England and support from Teeside University.