University News Last updated 13 March
Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery has celebrated a remarkable year of success at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council Awards, with students, graduates and staff collectively securing an impressive collection of Gold, Silver and Bronze honours.
Leading this year’s achievements is BA Design for Industry student Katherine Campbell-Howard, who received a Gold award and the coveted Cartier English Art Works Bursary Award.
The prize includes a month-long work experience placement at Cartier’s UK production office in Bond Street, offering a rare opportunity to gain insight into the world of high-end jewellery production.
Katherine’s achievement continues a growing tradition of success for BCU students in the category, marking the second consecutive year that a student from the School of Jewellery has been recognised with the award.
Elsewhere, current students also impressed judges.
Ni Hua Cheong (BA Jewellery & Objects) won Gold in Repurposed Jewellery Design, while Thiri Naing (BA Design for Industry) also achieved Gold in the same category and received the VIPA Design Gold Award.
Sylvie Sheppard, an HND student, earned Bronze in the Silversmiths Design category sponsored by the London Assay Office.
Graduates of the School also demonstrated the lasting impact of a BCU education, collecting awards across multiple categories.
MA graduate and Artist-in-Residence Fangjing Hu achieved Gold in a 2D Design category supported by the British luxury jeweller Boodles.
There was Silver for HND graduate Julie Ashton in Modellers Junior, Silver for BA Design for Industry graduate Emma Hardiman in 2D Fine Jewellery Design, and multiple Bronze awards for graduates including Maisy Beardmore, Katie Gardner, Sam Kellett and Tanin Dahkhoda.
Success also extended to the School’s staff.
Katy Tromans, Course Lead for HND and BA Design for Industry, was awarded Silver in the Stephen Webster Design Award, while technician Beca Fflur won the Phil Barnes Enamelling Bursary.
Andrew Howard, Senior Lecturer at the School of Jewellery, said Monday’s event at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London highlighted the enduring strength of the BCU jewellery community.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see graduates from across the decades still working in the trade, still collecting awards and shaping the industry,” he said.
“Many are now mentoring apprentices and proudly promoting the School where they began their careers.”
Miranda Wells, Interim Head of Department for Fashion and Textiles, added: “We are proud of all of our winners and look forward to returning next year to celebrate even more success from our students, graduates and staff.”
A free-to-view exhibition of award-winning work will be held at The Birmingham Assay Office from 23–27 March.
Pictured (from left): Fanjing Hu, Beaulagh Brooks, Ni Hua Cheong, Katy Tromans, Katherine Campbell-Howard, Sylvie Sheppard, Maisy Beardmore, Julie Ashton, and Katie Gardner.