University News Last updated 04 December
A School of Jewellery graduate has returned to Birmingham 30 years after completing her studies to exhibit her solo show at Vittoria Street Gallery.
Bronwen Tyler-Jones, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Silversmithing and Jewellery course in 1994 and later the MA Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products course in 1996, is presenting her exhibition SET IN MOTION: Celebrating 30 Years of Making in the School of Jewellery.
Bronwen said: “When I started, it was still Birmingham Polytechnic but by the time I graduated, it had become the University of Central England (UCE). I was based at Gosta Green, during which time the school underwent huge renovation.
“I was the very first cohort of the MA in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Related Products in the newly refurbed School of Jewellery from 1995-1996.”
Reflecting on returning, she said: “I’ve been back a couple of times over the years, but what struck me this time was how fresh and current it looked. It was then, and still is, a beautiful space. The building is just the same, but the technology and processes within have massively evolved.”
“To be back where it all began felt special, and I was able to take the time to reflect. It takes a lot of hard work and energy to make a career in the arts. The knock-backs and setbacks have made me more resilient. When you present your work to the world, you’re showing yourself and your personality, and it’s hard not to take criticism personally. But 30 years on, I’m proud to say I’ve made a success of what I do, and I still absolutely love creating.”
Soon after graduating from her MA, Bronwen saw a position open at Hereford College of Arts, her local art school and the place where she had completed her Foundation course. The role was Technical Demonstrator in Jewellery and Small Metals, and she was fortunate to be selected. She began working there in December 1996 and has remained there ever since.
In 2010, she took on an additional role as Workshop Manager, overseeing the Art & Design workshops and their staff. She continues in both roles today and feels incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by creative, inspiring people in a community that has greatly enriched her artistic practice.
Early in her career, Bronwen exhibited at shows such as Dazzle and seized every opportunity to sell her work at craft fairs and in galleries across the UK. She launched her first website in 2010 and began sharing her practice on Instagram in 2014, later creating a new website in 2020. Over the last decade, things have shifted: after years of determined self-promotion, clients and galleries now approach her directly.
Today, she divides her time between the College and her workshop at the top of her house overlooking the city of Hereford. She is currently busy preparing for Christmas, completing orders and restocking galleries. In the New Year, she will begin developing a new collection to be showcased at Haymakers Gallery during the Hay Festival.
“I was delighted when the School of Jewellery invited me to celebrate 30 years of making at the school, and I’ve spent the past year working towards it,” Bronwen said.
“The inspiration behind much of my work comes from text and movement, and I am often influenced by comedy and mechanical components. Day-to-day life inspires me too, as do my children. It’s hard to choose a favourite piece, but I think the beehive I made for Andy Howard is right up there.”
Naomi Clarke, Lecturer in MA Jewellery and Related Products, said: “After 30 years, it is wonderful to welcome her back to the School of Jewellery and back to where the journey began.”
Bronwen’s advice to those wishing to study Jewellery at BCU is to “take every opportunity you are offered. The years you spend studying at BCU will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Appreciate the environment you are in and learn from those around you—both staff and students.
“That being said, your time here is just the start. You will never stop learning. A vast amount of my knowledge of the metals I work with and the processes I use has been gained since I graduated.”
The exhibition runs until 21 January.
Event image taken by Dauvit Alexander