A Lasting Legacy: The Final BA Jewellery, Materials and Design Degree Show

Image: Display of final year BA Jewellery, Materials and Design students at Trafalgar Works, Sheffield. Left to Right Jeff Durber (Senior Lecturer in Jewellery, Materials and Design and Sheffield Creative Industries Institute Internationalisation Lead), Chris Knight (Guardian, Sheffield Assay Office), Meg Avery (BA Graduate) and Maria Hanson MA (rca), Associate Professor – Jewellery & Metalwork and Course Leader – MA Jewellery & Metalwork.

Sadly, the BA Jewellery, Materials and Design degree programme will close at the end of this month, with the final students graduating this summer.

Sheffield Assay Office has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the course, its tutors and technicians, spanning its time as an Art School, Polytechnic and University. From the City Centre to Psalter Lane and finally to the Old Post Office campus, there have certainly been many changes over the years, but the commitment to nurturing talented jewellers and silversmiths has remained constant.

From the 1970s, then Assay Master David Johnson supported students through competitions and commission opportunities. This tradition was continued by Assay Master Ashley Carson, who from 1993 sponsored precious metal materials for final-year degree show projects, enabling students to work in precious metals as part of their final collections. Students were also able to purchase materials at discounted rates throughout their three-year degree programme.

Each year, Sheffield Assay Office welcomed students for a tour of its facilities, ensuring they developed an understanding of the assaying and hallmarking process, as well as hallmarking law. Free registration and hallmarking services were provided, and the Assay Master annually judged and presented prizes at the final degree show.

Reflecting on the closure of the programme, Assay Master Ashley Carson said:

"For many decades, this course has played an important role in developing talented jewellers, silversmiths and metalworkers who have gone on to make a significant contribution to our industry. Sheffield Assay Office has been proud to support the students, tutors and technicians throughout that time. While it is sad to see such a respected programme come to an end, its legacy will continue through the many makers it has inspired and the contribution they will make to the future of our trade."

Over the years, the Assay Master has frequently remarked that there were always "novel and engaging designs, accompanied by a high level of craftsmanship displayed in both portfolios and finished pieces."

The relationship between Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield Assay Office has always been one of mutual support. The Assay Office has gained a greater understanding of jewellery and metalwork education and the evolving needs of students, tutors and technicians, whilst providing support wherever possible. In return, Sheffield Assay Office has been fortunate to acquire several pieces for its silver collection from tutors, technicians and students associated with the programme.

Many former students have gone on to flourish in their professional practice, and it has been a pleasure for the Office to maintain relationships with makers and watch their work develop over the years. The Assay Master has also acquired a wonderful personal collection of gifts presented by students in recognition of his support and encouragement.

The Assay Master wishes to thank all the dedicated members of staff, tutors, technicians and everyone working behind the scenes who have guided students through the course over the years. They have gone above and beyond to encourage and support emerging makers, often bringing their own professional practice into the workshop and lecture theatre to inspire the next generation.

We wish the final cohort every success in their future endeavours. They should be immensely proud to have completed such a long-standing and highly respected degree course, following in the footsteps of many well-respected silversmiths and jewellers known throughout Sheffield and far beyond.

At the final degree show, held at Trafalgar Works on the 21st May, students were encouraged by Guardian Chris Knight to maintain their connection with the University, the City and Sheffield Assay Office as they begin their professional careers. To support them on that journey, Sheffield Assay Office gifted each student complimentary laser hallmark registration, a valuable resource as they establish themselves within the jewellery and metalwork industry.

Graduate Meg Avery commented:

"I am very grateful for the gift, especially the free laser marking registration and for your support. Thank you."

While the programme may be drawing to a close, its influence will continue to be felt through the many talented makers, educators and craftspeople it has helped shape. Its legacy will endure through the work of its graduates and the contribution they continue to make to Sheffield's proud tradition of jewellery, silverware and metalwork

The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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