Promoting the pursuit of excellence
About the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council
"to encourage, stimulate and promote the pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship and design amongst all those in the United Kingdom who work within silversmithing, goldsmithing, jewellery and the allied crafts."
The Council is formed as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), run as a social not for profit enterprise, where all funds are used in the promotion of craftsmanship and design within the industry. The Council is governed by a committee of 21 trade based experts from which a Chairmen/Women and Vice Chairmen/Women are chosen. Council members are recruited through a process of nomination and election through a democratic process, and give their time freely and generously in order to maintain and enhance the Council's work.
WHAT WE DO
The central aim of the Craft & Design Council is to promote excellence in the industry through its prestigious annual awards. The Council's members, elected volunteers, give their time in organising and managing the annual Competition, Awards Ceremony and subsequent Exhibition held at Goldsmiths' Hall.
THE CRAFTSMANSHIP & DESIGN AWARDS
The Council Awards embrace every aspect of craft and design activity currently being practiced in the UK industry. Diverse and wide ranging, the skill set of British jewellery, goldsmithing, silversmithing and allied trades is showcased annually as part of the Council's unique national competition to which there is no parallel in the UK.
All submissions entered into the competition are judged by skilled and experienced practitioners drawn from their specialist fields of expertise within the profession. Through this process of peer inspection and scrutiny, work is endorsed by professionals to the highest standards and objectives set by the Council, thus validating the status and quality of these awards.
The Council promotes and encourages participation in the competition primarily by its annual exhibitions which showcase high calibre entrant work at Goldsmiths' Hall and The Goldsmiths' Centre.
The Chair: John Ball
The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council has named John Ball as its new chairperson for the next two years.
As the managing director of the UK bridal jewellery brand Brown & Newirth, John is a compassionate leader with extensive experience in the jewellery manufacturing sector, With a passion for nurturing creativity and craftsmanship, John has been pivotal in fostering innovation and driving impactful change within the industry.
“My vision as the incoming Chair of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Deisgn Council is to amplify our impact by fostering deeper collaborations, expanding opportunities for emerging talent, and enhancing our reach to celebrate the craft and innovation of jewellery making. With significant milestones on the horizon, including the Goldsmiths' Company's 700th anniversary in 2027, and our own 120th in 2028, I am committed to steering the council toward new initiatives that elevate the heritage and future of our craft."
“As I step into the role of Chair, I want to acknowledge Anne-Marie's remarkable contributions during her tenure. Her dedication and unwavering passion have left an indelible mark on the Council, setting a foundation that inspires continued growth and excellence. We extend our deepest gratitude for her invaluable leadership and commitment."
Council Members 2024/25
The elected Council Members generously give their time and the benefit of their expertise to guide the Council in the furtherance of its remit to promote excellence in craftsmanship and design. This continues to encourage and promote the exceptional levels of skill and diversity that constitute a world-class industry in the UK.
ROYAL PATRON
CHAIR
John Ball
VICE CHAIR
Judith Lockwood
COUNCIL AMBASSADORS
Shaun Leane
Leo de Vroomen
Stephen Webster
Theo Fennell
Brett Payne
Tom Rucker
Rachael Taylor
Joanna Hardy
HONORARY TREASURER
Thinusha Pragash
CONSULTANTS
Brian Hill
Banita Mistry
Alexandra Tosto
TRUSTEES
Peter Crump
Maeve Gillies
Robin Kyte
Judith Lockwood
Andy Putland
Pamela Statham
Anne-Marie Reeves
Kathryn Bishop
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Gaynor Andrews
John Ball
Kathryn Bishop
Jennifer Bloy
William Cheshire
Peter Crump
Ruth Faulkner
Judith Lockwood
Maeve Gillies
Graham Hamilton
Robert Hayes
Joseph Jackson
Steven Jinks
Robin Kyte
Russell Lownsbrough
Louise Prior
Andy Putland
Anne-Marie Reeves
Pamela Statham
Peter Taylor
Roger Taylor
AMBASSADORS
We are proud to have Rachael Taylor, Joanna Hardy, Stephen Webster, Shaun Leane, Leo de Vroomen, Theo Fennell, Brett Payne and Tom Rucker as our Ambassadors. They all positively support the Awards and bring a unique and valuable contribution to the Council.
Ambassador membership is by invitation from the GC&DC, and is open to specific personalities in the Industry whose work, reputation and support would benefit and enhance the standing and status of the Council within the wider community.
Diversity & Inclusion
The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council shares the vision to build a fair, safe and just world where all human lives are seen as equal, and opportunities prevail for all.
To do this, we must confront these issues that are present within our own industry. As individuals and collectively as an organisation that promotes the highest standards in design and craftsmanship within the jewellery, goldsmithing and silversmithing industries, and our allied crafts, the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council acknowledges that there is much for us to do – listening, learning, discussing and using our position and industry reach to enact, support and promote positive change.
This is crucial work that we must undertake to ensure we can achieve true diversity, equality and inclusion within our own organisation and the wider industry; we are committed to achieving this. Working together as Trustees and Council members, alongside all our supporters, we will act as agents of change for a brighter, more inclusive and wholly progressive future for the industry.
Please follow our communications for updates on initiatives championed by the Council.
