To highlight the importance of the support offered to our students by our collaborative subsidy scheme in conjunction with the Goldsmiths’ Centre, we’ve asked some of the students supported through the scheme to share their experience, and tell us about how Setting Inclusivity has helped them in their creative practise. Linda’s jewellery journey started many years ago when valuable hand skills such as jewellery making were made accessible through the publicly funded education system. Her story highlights the importance of independent institutions in carrying on these vital traditions, and of the support of The Goldsmiths Centre in removing barriers to participation.
This term has been so enjoyable and life-giving for me, and I’ve loved learning the basics again, most of which I’d forgotten. My journey with silver jewellery began over 40 years ago in the good old days when local authorities offered all sorts of very interesting topics as evening classes. I loved doing it then, but life, marriage and kids all took over my time and energy. My kids grew up and just as we reached that point in life when you have less responsibilities and more disposable income, my husband became unwell and had to give up work. We are now both retired on basic state pensions which doesn’t leave a lot spare for luxury items like silver jewellery classes.
I always hoped I might get back to it as I’d kept a little box of silver pieces and some items I’d been working on (photo below). In my box, I discovered a silver heart I’d created so many years ago, I really wanted to use it, so with a great deal of advice and support from Trisha, I was able to make myself a lovely necklace with a Celtic Triquetra symbol in the centre of the heart. It’s not perfect, but I love it. I’m now working on a bezel set ring and have plans for several more pieces.
I’ve been following CSSJ for a few years on fb and it was there that I saw the possibility of applying for a subsidy for the classes. I didn’t imagine I would be fortunate enough to be included in the programme, but I decided that it would be a missed opportunity if I didn’t at least try.
When the course began, I couldn’t remember any of the processes as it was so long ago that I last did silverwork and I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t still be able to do it. However, my confidence is growing and I’m surprising myself with what I’m able to achieve. I still have lots to learn so I’m taking advantage of being able to have a second subsidised term and I hope that will give me a good grounding in the basic techniques. I probably won’t be able to afford classes after this but my hope is that there are things I can work on at home and then take advantage of the bench rental sessions or perhaps the supported sessions if I need a bit of help.
Thank you so much for this opportunity, it is very much appreciated.
We have one more round of subsidies still to distribute, and these will be offered to support students attend our next term block that runs from September – November. Full course details and term dates will be announced soon, and in the meantime you can find out more about the eligibility criteria for Setting Inclusivity bursaries and note your interest in next terms classes in the Subsidised Places section of our website.
