Highlights of Day 3: Thursday 5 May
Juliet: I started my day at Garrard’s Mayfair flagship store where we viewed their stunning jewellery and tiaras. Upstairs was their workshop where Jessica discussed the different techniques involved whilst we watched makers at work creating tiny, intricate springs for a pair of cufflinks. I found the employment of both modern and traditional methods very interesting; the use of 3D computer aided designs versus the array of manual tools. I wish I could have then stayed longer to try on the tiaras and headdresses but unfortunately could not! Next I went to Soho House and met the makers whose work has been filmed for the series Handmade for BBC Four. It was interesting to hear their opinions about the role of their crafts in today’s world and in the future. The theatre room downstairs was the perfect venue to watch the detailed processes in their work. In the evening I went to Central St Martin’s in Granary Square to hear Ramon Puig Cuyas talk about his jewellery making and the influences behind his beautiful brooches.
