New Designers reveal ‘Goldsmiths’ Company Awards’ winners

Design exhibition firm New Designers has announced the winners of its ‘Goldsmiths’ Company Awards’.

Students exhibiting jewellery and silver in the group’s Jewellery and Contemporary Design and Crafts event were automatically considered for the awards. The judges selected the following winners:

Silversmithing: Rachel Hardie of Glasgow School of Art

Rachel Hardie won for her Chimney Pot Series, a range of mixed metal vessels characterised by distinctive shapes and finishes. The judges said they appreciated the “explanatory nature of this series, specifically the construction of Hardie’s forms which include a pleasing ‘sketch-like’ quality and unique approach to creating the vessels”.                             

Jewellery: Egle Bantyne of Ulster University

Egle Bantyne won for her ‘Curious Constructions’ collection of silver hinged and curvilinear jewellery. The judges said: “This collection shows a multi-dimensional playfulness. Executed with precision and thought, it reflects an evolving body of work.”

The winners will receive:

• A week’s work experience in a professional workshop at the Goldsmiths’ Centre where they will focus on commercialising their own work.
• Bursary of up to £500 towards living expenses, if required.
• Special student hallmarking package including 10 year registration at the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, laser software set-up for laser hallmarking, a complimentary behind the scenes tour of the Assay Office and free access to the Goldsmiths’ Company Library.

Michael Prideaux, prime warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, said: “The Goldsmiths’ Company is thrilled to once again partner with New Designers to recognise the best work from graduate designers.

“We are proud to back the next generation of designers working in metal as part of our overall support for the trade at every level. Rachel Hardie and Egle Bantyne are deserving winners and we’re pleased to support them as they develop on their creative journey.”