Category Archives: Design

29Sep/16

London’s Heart of Gold

September 29, 2016Art, Design, Precious MetalsGoldsmiths' Fair, Goldsmiths' Hall, one-off jewellery, oxidised silver, Silver SpeaksArmadillo Central

Goldsmiths’ Fair started out as Loot in 1976, when all pieces sold had to be under £50, while Superloot, launched in 1979, showcased items over £500 – see the first private view invitation below. Continue reading →

22Mar/16

Book Review: Malcolm Appleby at 70

March 22, 2016Art, Books & Writing, Design, Precious Metalsinterpolated palimpsest, Jane Short, Malcolm Appleby, The Scottish GalleryArmadillo Central

The Scottish Gallery published a paperback Malcolm Appleby at 70 to coincide with their January 2016 exhibition celebrating the artist, silversmith and engraver’s 50 year + “creative tour de force”, a slim volume well worth adding to your library. Continue reading →

17Feb/16

Tales of Hidden Treasure

February 17, 2016Coins and Medals, Design, Precious MetalsEleanor Ghey, iron age model weapons, real buried treasure, Roman piggy bank, Westerham hoardArmadillo Central

Hoards, The Hidden History of Ancient Britain is a little treasure to be found at The British Museum until late May. Continue reading →

08Feb/16

Red Fire Monkeys and Other Ideas

February 8, 2016Art, DesignChinese New Year, monkey, red, Valentine's DayArmadillo Central

We’re welcoming in the Chinese Year of the Monkey with an endearing little sketch by Jennifer Copley-May. Continue reading →

11Dec/15

Ai Weiwei at The RA

December 11, 2015Art, Design, PhotographyAi Weiwei, Chinese culture, Coco-Cola Vase, Grapes, Royal Academy of ArtsArmadillo Central

I am still deeply immersed in the experience that was Ai Weiwei’s monumental show at The Royal Academy. Continue reading →

06Nov/15

Be Jewelled, Be Dazzled

November 6, 2015Art, Design, Precious Metalsbiennial symposium, holographic, kinetic, Malcolm Appleby's workshop, master engraverArmadillo Central

Be jewelled, be dazzled, be cultivated. If you’re near Perthshire in Scotland during November or December, don’t miss a chance to drop into Malcolm Appleby’s workshop near Aberfeldy. Continue reading →

22Sep/15

Silver September: Malcolm Appleby

September 22, 2015Art, Design, Precious MetalsA Sense of Jewellery, Malcolm Appleby, Modern Masters Metalwork and Jewellery, silver engraving, The Silversmith's ArtArmadillo Central

Malcolm Appleby currently has work in 3 important exhibitions in the UK, reflecting his status as one of Britain’s pre-eminent engravers and silversmiths. Continue reading →

27Aug/15

Fine Lines at The Scottish Gallery

August 27, 2015Art, Design, Furniture, Gardens, Precious MetalsFine Lines, Miriam Hanid, The Scottish GalleryArmadillo Central

Undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most elegant and inspiring exhibition spaces, The Scottish Gallery is currently hosting a show reflecting their usual eclectic mix of precious objects alongside fine art from established and upcoming artists. Continue reading →

17Jun/15

We All Deserve A Medal

June 17, 2015Art, Coins and Medals, Design, Precious MetalsBritish Art Medal Society, contemporary medallists, Jean-Luc Baroni, works in bronze and other mediaArmadillo Central

This thought occurred as Father’s Day looms in the UK: what a perfect present a medal would make. Thinking beyond dearest and praiseworthy Dads though, we all deserve a medal. Continue reading →

29May/15

Craft: A Love Affair with Materials

May 29, 2015Design, Spoken WordHarris Tweed Hebrides, Heritage Crafts Association, Rush Matters, Sir Christopher Frayling, three Rs, wroughtArmadillo Central

The Heritage Crafts Association’s annual conference, ‘A Place for Craft’, took place at the V&A during the inaugural London Craft Week and kicked off with an inspiring talk by HCA patron Sir Christopher Frayling. Continue reading →