We are delighted to be showing Emily Kidson’s beautiful work in this year’s spring showcase. We love Emily’s attention to detail, her use of colour and the beautiful shapes and formations she creates. It has been lovely to have an insight in to Emily’s workspace, inspirations and daily routines and we hope you enjoy reading her answers as much as we have.

Emily Kidson

1 – Please could you give us a brief introduction to your work and who you are? (Where are you based, inspirations, fun facts)

I am a jeweller based in South East London. I work with laminate, wood and precious metals to make colourful, contemporary jewellery. My work has a graphic aesthetic combining subtle details with clear, empty space. It’s all entirely made by hand – hand pierced, sanded – no laser cutting! 

My inspiration comes from patterns and shapes in the world around me, particularly old industrial buildings. I’m forever snapping away at brickwork, marks on the ground or picking up found metal objects. 

2 – What led you to become a jeweller and how did you train/ learn your skills?

I did a very broad degree – 3D Crafts (wood, metal, ceramics and plastics) at the University of Brighton. I decided to start making jewellery in the last 6 months of my degree because I could see how it was possible to make on a small scale and potentially sell it. I then went to Bishopsland which was a yearlong residential course for aspiring jewellers and silversmiths. I love to learn new skills and over the years have continued to do all sorts of short courses, from enamelling to stone setting.

3 – We love your use of materials and how you combine precious metals and wood with colourful laminates. When did you start to use this combination of media and what inspired you to use these different materials in your work? 

I have always loved working with different materials! My degree show (2004) combined ceramics with silver and found objects. I then started working mainly in silver. In 2012 I started a project where I made a piece of jewellery every day for a year – it could be made out of anything, be very quick to make or slower, a real range of pieces. I’d lost my way a bit and had a full time job so it was a way of being really creative and it definitely helped me find my style and sense of identity as a maker. I discovered laminate in the materials library I was working in at the time and it was a light bulb moment! It was the same thickness as the silver as I was working in (0.7mm), came in loads of gorgeous colours and was hardwearing. Since then laminate has been a big part of my work.

4 – We love to hear about people’s workspaces- please could you describe where you work?

I am based at Cockpit Studios in Deptford. It’s a wonderful shared studio housing many craft disciplines (wood, basketry, textiles, ceramics etc.) all under one roof. I have been there 7 years now and it’s a very special place. I love cycling to it and working there, I’ve recently built a new bespoke bench which makes it even better! I share a studio with another jeweller, Judith Peterhoff, whose work you also stock 🙂

5 – What are the areas of your business that you enjoy the most?

I love the making, if I could do that 100% of the time I would be in heaven. But it has to be balanced with so many other things, marketing, selling shows, photography, updating my website, newsletters, admin, accounts, so many things! I try to plan my time so everything gets done but it can be tricky.

6 – What does a usual work day look like for you? (Do you work full- time/ part-time, how do you balance your week?) 

I work one day a week in the Goldsmiths’ Company library – a great specialist library covering jewellery and silversmithing. The rest of the time is on my business. I try to have one full day off a week, the rest of the time I’m happily working. It helps that my husband is also self-employed and we can be creative workaholics side by side!

7 – As we go in to the new season and have a little bit more sunshine, what are you looking forward to most in Spring? 

I love the spring, as a season it feels like such a hopeful time, with the days getting longer and everything waking up after the winter. I am looking forward to warmer cycles to my studio and the daffodils and tulips bursting out in colour.

Thank you Emily for taking the time to answer all of our questions. Emily’s work is currently on display in the shop so please pop in to see Emily’s full collection and a selection in our online shop.