Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019: Applications Open to Exhibit at the UK’s Most Prestigious Jewellery and Silversmithing Showcase

The opportunity for talented UK-based jewellery and silversmithing designer-makers to showcase their exquisite creations at the 37th edition of the renowned Goldsmiths’ Fair has officially arrived. Applications to exhibit at this unparalleled event are now open, inviting the nation’s finest artisans to join a legacy of excellence and innovation.

Widely regarded as the premier destination for collecting contemporary silver and gold, Goldsmiths’ Fair draws a discerning audience of collectors, buyers, and enthusiasts eager to discover the next generation of masterpieces. The 2019 Goldsmiths’ Fair is set to run for two weeks, promising an immersive experience into the world of luxury craftsmanship and unique design. This annual event is a vital platform, not only for established names but also for emerging talents, to present their latest collections and connect directly with their audience, fostering growth and appreciation within the craft sector.

How to Apply: Key Dates and Process for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019

Aspiring exhibitors are encouraged to seize this significant opportunity to elevate their craft. The application portal for Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019 officially went live today, January 4th, accessible through the Fair’s dedicated website. Jewellery industry professionals, independent designer-makers, and silversmiths have a generous window to meticulously prepare and submit their applications, with the final deadline set for midnight on February 28th.

Following the close of the application period, the esteemed Goldsmiths’ Fair Selection Committee will convene in March. This committee, comprised of leading figures and experts within the jewellery and silversmithing sectors, meticulously reviews each submission. Their rigorous assessment ensures that only the highest standards of craftsmanship, design originality, and artistic merit are maintained at the Fair. Applicants will be promptly advised of the outcome thereafter, marking a pivotal moment in their journey towards potentially exhibiting at one of the UK’s most celebrated and influential craft events.

Essential Eligibility Criteria for Exhibitors at Goldsmiths’ Fair

To maintain the fair’s distinguished reputation and its unwavering focus on genuine, high-quality craftsmanship, applicants must meticulously adhere to a specific set of requirements. These criteria ensure that Goldsmiths’ Fair remains a true celebration of skilled artistry and authentic British design, attracting the very best talent. Prospective exhibitors should carefully review each point to confirm their eligibility before submitting their application:

Display Only Work Including Precious Metal(s): Every single piece intended for exhibition must incorporate precious metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. This fundamental criterion underscores the fair’s dedication to high-value, exquisite craftsmanship and reinforces its status as a leading event for fine jewellery and silver. It assures collectors of the inherent value and artistry of the works presented.
Represent Themselves and Not Act as an Agent for Others: Goldsmiths’ Fair is founded on the principle of direct engagement between maker and admirer. Applicants must be the primary creator and be personally present to represent their own original work. This policy fosters authentic connection, allowing visitors to hear the personal story and inspiration behind each unique creation directly from the artist.
Live and Work in the UK: A core mission of Goldsmiths’ Fair is to champion and support British craftsmanship. Therefore, all applicants must reside and operate their professional practice exclusively within the United Kingdom, reinforcing the fair’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing local talent, preserving national heritage, and strengthening the UK’s creative economy.
Apply with Work Designed and Made in the UK by the Applicant: The emphasis is firmly on original British design and manufacture by the individual applying. While it is understood that specialist techniques from other trusted tradesmen (e.g., a spinner, caster, engraver) may be employed in complex pieces, any such contributions must be transparently detailed on the application form. This ensures integrity and proper attribution throughout the creative and production process.
Employ Fewer Than Six People at the Bench: This criterion is strategically designed to support independent designer-makers and small, artisanal studios. By limiting the size of the production team, the fair ensures it remains accessible to individual artists and small businesses, fostering a sense of community and direct connection to the maker’s hand, rather than large-scale manufacturing.
Must Not Be in Full-Time Education at the Time of Application: While Goldsmiths’ Fair is deeply committed to supporting emerging talent through its dedicated bursary scheme, the general application pathway is reserved for those who have completed their formal education and are actively pursuing a professional, full-time career as an independent designer-maker in the industry.
Must Be Available to Man Their Stand at All Times During the Fair: Personal presence is absolutely crucial for the Goldsmiths’ Fair experience. Exhibitors are expected to be present at their stand throughout the entire duration of the event. This allows for invaluable direct interaction with visitors, enabling artists to answer questions, share insights into their work, and discuss their unique creative process firsthand.
Intend to Exhibit Goods That Are Compliant with the UK Hallmarking Act 1973: Adherence to legal and ethical standards is paramount. All precious metal items intended for exhibition must comply with the stringent requirements of the UK Hallmarking Act 1973. This not only guarantees authenticity and assures specific metal purity but also instills consumer confidence in the quality and legality of purchases made at the Fair.
Be in Agreement with All Terms & Conditions and Rules & Regulations: Upon successful application and selection, exhibitors will be provided with comprehensive terms and conditions, as well as detailed rules and regulations governing participation. Acceptance and adherence to these guidelines are mandatory for all participants, ensuring a smooth, well-organized, and equitable event for every exhibitor and visitor alike.

The Unrivalled Advantages of Exhibiting at Goldsmiths’ Fair

Participating in Goldsmiths’ Fair offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond mere sales figures. It is an unparalleled opportunity for designer-makers to significantly elevate their professional profile, connect with influential figures in the industry, and gain invaluable exposure to a highly targeted audience. Exhibitors gain direct access to a highly engaged and affluent audience of collectors, gallerists, interior designers, and fellow enthusiasts, often leading to lucrative commissions, exciting collaborations, and the formation of long-term, beneficial relationships. The fair provides a unique and dynamic platform for receiving direct feedback on new collections, allowing artists to gauge market response, understand current trends, and refine their creative direction with informed insights.

Furthermore, the sheer prestige associated with Goldsmiths’ Fair significantly enhances an artist’s reputation within the global craft and luxury sectors. Being selected to exhibit at such a renowned event is a profound testament to the exceptional quality, innovative design, and originality of one’s work. This powerful endorsement can open numerous doors to future opportunities, including gallery representation, media features, and further high-profile exhibitions. It’s an environment where innovation is not just welcomed but celebrated, traditional skills are revered, and the vibrant future of British craftsmanship is actively shaped and supported.

Nurturing New Talent: The Graduate Bursary Scheme at Goldsmiths’ Fair

In a dedicated and forward-thinking effort to foster the next generation of exceptional jewellers and silversmiths, Goldsmiths’ Fair proudly offers its highly impactful Graduate Bursary Scheme. Each year, this invaluable scheme provides an incredible launchpad for emerging talent, offering 10 free stands at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Fair. This initiative is critical in dismantling potential financial barriers and empowering promising graduates to make their mark on the competitive industry with confidence and support.

Winners of the coveted bursary receive a comprehensive package of support meticulously designed to ensure their successful participation in the Fair and to provide a solid foundation for their careers beyond the event. This includes not only a coveted free stand at Goldsmiths’ Fair but also a substantial £1,500 grant. This grant is specifically allocated to assist with the considerable costs associated with preparing for such a high-profile exhibition, covering essential expenses such as materials, workshop time, photography, and display elements. Additionally, bursary recipients can benefit from an optional interest-free silver bullion loan of up to £3,000, providing vital capital for creating new, ambitious, and high-quality pieces.

Perhaps one of the most invaluable aspects of the Graduate Bursary Scheme is the unparalleled mentoring opportunities provided at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. This bespoke mentorship connects emerging artists with highly experienced professionals and established leaders in the fields of jewellery and silversmithing. These mentors offer crucial guidance, practical business advice, and invaluable insights that are essential for navigating the complexities of the competitive world of fine jewellery and silversmithing. Such a holistic support system ensures that bursary winners are not merely exhibited but are also strategically positioned for sustained long-term success and growth in their artistic careers.

Eligibility for the Graduate Bursary Scheme

To be considered for this transformative scheme, applicants must first meet all the standard eligibility requirements outlined for general exhibitors, ensuring they uphold the fair’s core values of quality and authenticity. In addition to these, specific criteria apply uniquely to the bursary program:

You must have successfully graduated from an HND/BA/MA programme or completed a Goldsmiths’ Apprenticeship within the last five years, demonstrating recent formal training and dedication to the craft.
You must not have previously exhibited at Goldsmiths’ Fair in any capacity, ensuring the scheme genuinely supports new participants and provides a fresh opportunity for emerging artists.
Crucially, there is no age requirement for the Graduate Bursary Scheme, opening this exceptional opportunity to talented individuals regardless of their stage in life, provided they meet the other graduation and exhibition criteria, promoting inclusivity and merit-based selection.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Enduring Impact of Goldsmiths’ Fair

Goldsmiths’ Fair is far more than just an exhibition; it is a vital cultural institution that plays a pivotal and enduring role in sustaining, promoting, and advancing the art of jewellery and silversmithing in the UK. Its long-standing tradition of showcasing unparalleled excellence has firmly cemented its place as a cornerstone of the British craft sector. The fair’s unwavering commitment to quality not only inspires consumer confidence and elevates market standards but also actively encourages innovation, consistently pushing the boundaries of design and technique within these ancient and revered crafts.

The numbers speak volumes about its impressive reach and profound importance within the industry. Last year, the event proudly hosted 138 diverse and exceptionally talented exhibitors, each representing the pinnacle of British design and craftsmanship in precious metals. More impressively, over 8,000 people visited the event, demonstrating the widespread appeal and significant public interest in unique, handcrafted precious metalwork. These figures powerfully highlight the fair’s immense capacity to connect skilled makers with a diverse, enthusiastic, and appreciative audience, driving both artistic appreciation and commercial success.

While the current focus is intensely on the upcoming 2019 edition and its exciting prospects, it is worth noting the successful dates of the previous fair, which took place from September 23rd to October 6th, 2018. This consistent annual scheduling underscores the fair’s reliable and anticipated presence in the cultural calendar and its ongoing, unwavering commitment to the vibrant jewellery and silversmithing industry.

Maximizing Your Chances: Tips for a Successful Application to Goldsmiths’ Fair

Given the highly competitive and prestigious nature of Goldsmiths’ Fair, a thoughtful, meticulously prepared, and compelling application is absolutely essential to stand out from the crowd. Here are some expert tips to help prospective exhibitors maximize their chances of selection:

Curate Your Portfolio Carefully: Present only high-quality, professional photographs of your very best and most representative work. Ensure the images are perfectly well-lit, clearly show intricate detail, and accurately reflect the true scale, texture, and exceptional craftsmanship of your pieces. A strong visual presentation is paramount.
Emphasize Originality and Innovation: The distinguished selection committee profoundly values unique design vision and innovative approaches to both traditional and contemporary techniques. Clearly articulate what makes your work distinct, original, and why it truly deserves a prominent place at Goldsmiths’ Fair. Showcase your creative voice.
Detail Your Process: Provide clear and concise insights into your creative journey and meticulous making process. If you collaborate with specialist tradesmen for specific techniques, clearly state their contributions, demonstrating transparency, an understanding of the entire production chain, and your respect for collaborative craftsmanship.
Highlight Your Passion and Professionalism: Your entire application should convey not only your exceptional technical skill and artistic vision but also your profound dedication to your craft and your unwavering commitment to a professional, sustainable career as a designer-maker. Your narrative should be compelling and authentic.
Adhere Strictly to Guidelines: Rigorously double-check all eligibility criteria, application instructions, and submission requirements. Any deviation, however minor, can lead to disqualification. Ensure all required fields are completed accurately, thoroughly, and within the specified deadlines, demonstrating your attention to detail and professionalism.

The Goldsmiths’ Fair stands as a radiant beacon of excellence for UK jewellery and silversmithing, both nationally and internationally. It offers an unparalleled platform for showcasing extraordinary talent, fostering significant business growth, and connecting with a vibrant community that profoundly cherishes the artistry and skill inherent in working with precious metals. This is an opportunity not to be missed.

The application window is open now until midnight on February 28th. We strongly encourage all eligible designer-makers to visit the official Goldsmiths’ Fair website today to begin your application process. Take this crucial first step towards exhibiting your exceptional work at the 37th, and undoubtedly remarkable, edition of Goldsmiths’ Fair.

This is a truly golden opportunity to join the illustrious ranks of esteemed designer-makers and contribute significantly to the rich, evolving tapestry of British craftsmanship. We eagerly anticipate reviewing your compelling applications!

Goldsmiths’ Fair 2019: Submit Your Entry Now