home > exhibitions 2007

29 May - 5 July
Gallery 1 and 2
'Prize' exhibition
First prize of £1000 is awarded by an independent judge to the best work in the exhibition. Send a sae for details.

Below: David Gleeson RBSA 'Charmain Corrected' from the 2007 Prize exhibition.





8 - 19 July
Gallery 1
Schools' exhibition
Schools in Ladywood show work they have made with the help of RBSA members.

Below: Simon Davis RBSA working with school children at the RBSA Gallery in 2007

9 July - 30 August
Gallery 2
Imaginitive Portraits

A wide range of portraiture by RBSA Members as well as other artists from around the country. The first ever Biennial Portrait Award, first prize will be £1000. Why not come to the exhibition and commission a portrait from an artist whose work you have enjoyed? Look out for portraiture workshops in the summer school which runs alongside the show.

Below: 'Sisterhood (Lesley Chan 2)' by Emily Porter-Salmon RBSA.

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Craft Gallery Exhibitions 2008

Reclaim
23 June - 8 August

The RBSA’s current Craft exhibition ‘Reclaim’ highlights a growing awareness concerning sustainability and the recycling or reusing of unwanted items.  This exhibition will attempt to explore the varied and interesting methods for reusing found items and incorporating them into unique, contemporary jewellery and craft work.  ‘Reclaim’ is an intriguing exhibition featuring a diverse range of designer makers from across the country who creatively utilise recycled and found materials in their craft-making practice.

Working with textiles and salvaged material, Alison Stockmarr is a designer maker inspired by the worn qualities of the items she sources, with much of her work being a collation of reappropriated fragments that consider the past.  Producing corsages, earrings, buttons and brooches, she creates visual archaeologies that afford the viewer glimpses of forgotten stories. Seeking out and rejuvenating discarded objects and materials is key to her work and she endeavours to breathe a unique, contemporary beauty back into these recycled materials.  As part of this exhibition, Alison has created bespoke pieces, specifically exploring the history of Birmingham and the RBSA’s 200 year old contribution to the city’s heritage.

Jenny Walker’s curiosity in found objects was sparked from her childhood and the irresistible charm of early archaeological finds. This level of intrigue as to what the complete object may have been, what it looked like and who might have owned it, persists in her work. Still fascinated by Victorian rubbish, she continues to collect in her urban environment of Manchester. As remnants of the city’s rich industrial heritage, Jenny seeks to elevate her low status finds and create new, intriguing one-off jewellery pieces which question the value of an object and reconsider what may normally be disregarded.

Also exhibiting in ‘Reclaim’ is April Doubleday who reworks recycled ebony and wood from musical instruments, along with recycled copper and shells to produce exquisite and individual jewellery incorporating a range of silversmithing techniques including etching and forging.  An Alleweireldt uses unusual materials such as old records and ice lolly sticks to create high quality and wearable jewellery whilst Tayo Shakouri’s textile jewellery, made from PVC and vintage fabrics, reflects her interest in psychedelic patterns. 

Explore some of the ways in which contemporary designer makers are contributing to the sustainability of our resources and enjoy a unique opportunity to buy distinctive, handmade jewellery and craftwork.
Prices range from £10 - £1700

Below: 'Vintage' Neckpiece by Taya Shakouri


Below:
An Alleweireldt: lollipop stick brooch
April Doubleday: ethical rings
Alison Stockmarr: buttons

Cream of the Crafts
11 August – 19 September 2008

Excellence and innovation in contemporary craft design will be the focus of this exhibition which aims to bring together designer maker jewellery, ceramics and glassware. It showcases designer makers who have made a significant contribution to British Crafts and also a selection of upcoming craftspeople who are fast making a name for themselves.  

Exhibiting for the first time at the RBSA, Jana Reinhardt is a highly accomplished and innovative jewellery designer/maker with more than ten years experience of contemporary and traditional jewellery techniques.  With award winning entries in several competitions, including the international Goldsmiths Craftsmanship and Design competition, her latest “Bellflower” collection is both playful and feminine, but with an almost industrial quality.  Meticulously handmade, the range is inspired by a broad range of influences, from childhood memories to the designs of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Also exhibiting is Norwegian jewellery designer Ulrikke Vogt who has been making jewellery since the age of 16. Now based in London, she exhibits her jewellery internationally and is building up a fascinating repertoire of pieces, including a neckpiece with spherical lockets encasing semi-precious gems. Ulrikke has designed motifs adapted from the nature and folk patterns of Norway. The result is a culmination of delicate, feminine patterns with jewellery that is both playful and nostalgic. Ulrikke works using various different techniques including saw-piercing and painting with liquid silver.

Below: Ulrikke Vogt's Green Onyx Ring

Artists Showcase

RBSA members exhibit in the Craft Gallery. Work is changed regularly, so keep your eyes peeled.

Craft Gallery


15 June - 12 July: Anne Wilkinson RBSA

13 July - 9 August: Stephanie Redfern RBSA

10 August - 6 September: Louise Sanders Hon RBSA

Cafe Gallery


25 May - 21 June: Graham Benton RBSA

22 June - 19 July: John Wood RBSA

20 July - 16 August: Bruce Hurn PPRBSA

17 August - 13 September: Heinke Jenkins RBSA

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