City News

Brilliantly Birmingham, a unique celebration of Birmingham’s long standing reputation for jewellery design and production, returns for the ninth year showcasing an array of innovative work by a handpicked selection of new and emerging designer makers. From November 28th until December 21st 2008, the best new contemporary jewellery will be exhibited across Birmingham and the West Midlands in a variety of venues offering the public an opportunity to buy innovative and affordable gifts directly from the designers during the Christmas season.

FLUX, the Brilliantly Birmingham curated selling exhibition, now in its third year, will exhibit a selection of the best new and emerging contemporary designer makers from the UK and around the globe. 26 designer makers have been selected from destinations as far flung as Italy, Japan and Taiwan, as well as rising designer maker stars from the West Midlands. Competition was fierce with over 100 designer makers vying for the opportunity to showcase their work at the popular festival. FLUX will take place at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery.

This year Brilliantly Birmingham is profiling the stunning work of Birmingham City University graduate Sally Collins, her ‘Hybrid’ piece took over 400 hours to produce and retails at £3,200. Sally, who is 24 years old and originally from Leicester, graduated this year and was awarded a distinction in her MA in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Related Product from the School of Jewellery. Revered by renowned jewellery critic Jorunn Veiteberg*, her work explores the evolution of ornamentation and recycled materials. Her collection ‘Make Do and Mend’, features a range of jewellery from second-hand fabric, crochet, lace, heat treated copper and gold- plated elements.

A programme of associated exhibitions, one off events and workshops and seminars will accompany FLUX including:

Seminars, taking place at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery

Tuesday 2 December: All That Glitters – A discussion surrounding ethics and fair trade within the jewellery industry with Lucy Siegle, Ethical Living Columnist for The Observer, Sharon Walker, journalist and head of URTH ethical gold suppliers and jewellery designer to the stars, Stephen Webster.

Tuesday 9 December: Fetish Fashion – Explores the blurred lines between fetish and fashion with the novelist Kathy Lette, journalist and television presenter, Kate Spicer and fashion designer, Paul Seville.

Open Studios, venues across The Jewellery Quarter
Visit the studios where unique hand-made jewellery has been designed and made for centuries for an intimate look behind the scenes on Saturday 13th December.

Walks in the Quarter
Local historian, Chris Upton’s annual walks around the Jewellery Quarter have achieved almost cult status. Uncovering the amazing history surrounding the area that’s steeped in jewellery heritage, the walks are always over-subscribed. The walks take place on Saturday 29 November and Saturdays 6, 13 and 20 December, please contact Prim Currie on 0121 464 1187 for further information.

Susan McNally, Brilliantly Birmingham Project Manager, said: “Brilliantly Birmingham has grown into a significant showcase for designer makers with the standard of submitted work increasing year on year. In our ninth year we are proud to have become a regular and welcome fixture in the calendar and synonymous with innovative, emerging jewellery design.”

Councillor Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture, added: “Birmingham City Council is delighted to be celebrating the city’s thriving jewellery heritage by supporting Brilliantly Birmingham. The festival provides emerging designer makers with a platform to promote their talents – as well as the city to an international audience.”

Lara Ratnaraja, Sector Development Director Creative Cultural and Digital Business Link West Midlands said: “Brilliantly Birmingham showcases the creative talents and some of the most innovative design in the city to an ever growing audience. We look forward to celebrating a decade of Brilliantly Birmingham next year.”