No matter how many times I’ve exhibited before, how well prepared I am or how much I’m looking forward to it: the run-up to an event is always tense.
I needn’t have stressed. Everything about showing at Forge in London so far has gone brilliantly!
Gallery owner Amanda Mansell runs a tight ship which contributed to a smooth set-up and opening of the Metropolis showcase yesterday. She has already scooped several awards for Forge in the sub-two years since opening the space and it’s easy to see why.
Last night’s cocktail-infused Private View in Hatton Garden was a glitzy affair with family, friends and industry people rubbing shoulders, surrounded by sparkling jewellery handmade by yours truly (!) and my exhibior peers.
The beauty of a well-curated show like this means that every maker has something out of the ordinary to offer, and visitors are served up a unique slice of jewellery design they won’t find anywhere else.
At Metropolis, delicate 3D-printed, mirror-finish earrings by one maker sit next to large, intentionally roughly textured pendants by another. A love of gemstones is obvious in one maker’s work, while someone else favours wood.
One person embracing the many varied interpretations of jewellery is collector Stacey Creamer, visiting from the US.
She popped into Forge just before Metropolis opened to the public to curate her exhibition favourites, and I’m pleased a pair of earrings from my forthcoming Fizz collection (watch this space) made the cut!
My first sale to a collector also feels like a real milestone.
If you’re in London and keen to see what it’s all about, head to Forge. I promise you won’t be disappointed. The Metropolis showcase is on until 25 October 2024.
Forge, 59 Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TJ
