benchpeg newsletter edition 5th - 11th July 2009</h1> <article> <h1>benchpeg newsletter edition 5th - 11th July 2009</h1> <p>Rebecca — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 19:39:19 GMT</p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">To read the weekly benchpeg newsletter you will have to subscribe (which is free) by filling in the boxes on the right of this page. You will then automatically receive the free benchpeg newsletter.<br /> <br /> If you know anyone who you think would be interested in the benchpeg newsletter please use the "<em>forward to a friend</em>" link at the bottom of the email, alternatively if you are reading the benchpeg newsletter because someone forwards you a copy every week - why not <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/t">sign up and become a direct subscriber </a>!<br /> <br /> benchpeg is proud to have the <a href="http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk">Goldsmiths' Company</a> as our major patron. benchpeg's ethos is to collaborate to promote communication in the Trade and in this spirit would like to welcome its newest affiliate <a href="http://www.own-it.org">Own It</a>. Click through to the newsletter to learn more. benchpeg is now working with <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/i">The Designer Jewellers Group,</a> <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/d">ChangeActShare</a>, the <a href="http://www.guildofenamellers.org/">Guild of Enamellers</a>, the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/h">Hand Engraver's Association</a>, the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/k">Institute of Professional Goldsmiths</a>, and the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/u">Society of Jewellery Historians</a>, to promote different sectors of the Industry.<br /> <br /> benchpeg survives on time given by the benchpeg team on a voluntary basis, however there are still many overheads to cover !!!! If you'd like to take the load off by contributing <a style="color: rgb(71, 146, 158); text-decoration: none; " href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/o">content</a> or images or helping financially by <a style="color: rgb(71, 146, 158); text-decoration: none; " href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/b">sponsoring</a> a benchpeg edition we'd love to hear from you.</span></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>benchpeg newsletter edition 121: 28th June - 4th July 2009</h1> <p>Rebecca — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:55:00 GMT</p> <p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">To read the weekly benchpeg newsletter you will have to subscribe (which is free) by filling in the boxes on the right of this page. You will then automatically receive the free benchpeg newsletter.<br /> <br /> If you know anyone who you think would be interested in the benchpeg newsletter please use the "<em>forward to a friend</em>" link at the bottom of the email, alternatively if you are reading the benchpeg newsletter because someone forwards you a copy every week - why not <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/t">sign up and become a direct subscriber </a>!<br /> <br /> benchpeg is proud to have the <a href="http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk">Goldsmiths' Company</a> as our major patron. benchpeg's ethos is to collaborate to promote communication in the Trade and in this spirit would like to welcome its newest affiliate <a href="http://www.own-it.org">Own It</a>. Click through to the newsletter to learn more. benchpeg is now working with <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/i">The Designer Jewellers Group,</a> <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/d">ChangeActShare</a>, the <a href="http://www.guildofenamellers.org/">Guild of Enamellers</a>, the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/h">Hand Engraver's Association</a>, the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/k">Institute of Professional Goldsmiths</a>, and the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/u">Society of Jewellery Historians</a>, to promote different sectors of the Industry.<br /> <br /> benchpeg survives on time given by the benchpeg team on a voluntary basis, however there are still many overheads to cover !!!! If you'd like to take the load off by contributing <a style="color: rgb(71, 146, 158); text-decoration: none; " href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/o">content</a> or images or helping financially by <a style="color: rgb(71, 146, 158); text-decoration: none; " href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/b">sponsoring</a> a benchpeg edition we'd love to hear from you.</span></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>benchpeg newsletter edition 120: 21st - 27th June 2009</h1> <p>Howard — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:23:00 GMT</p> <p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px" class="Apple-style-span">To read the weekly benchpeg newsletter you will have to subscribe (which is free) by filling in the boxes on the right of this page. You will then automatically receive the free benchpeg newsletter.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px" class="Apple-style-span">If you know anyone who you think would be interested in the benchpeg newsletter please use the "<em>forward to a friend</em>" link at the bottom of the email, alternatively if you are reading the benchpeg newsletter because someone forwards you a copy every week - why not <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/t">sign up and become a direct subscriber </a>!</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px" class="Apple-style-span">benchpeg is proud to have the <a href="http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk">Goldsmiths' Company</a> as our major patron. benchpeg's ethos is to collaborate to promote communication in the Trade and in this spirit would like to welcome its newest affiliate <a href="http://www.own-it.org">Own It</a>. Click through to the newsletter to learn more. benchpeg is now working with <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/i">The Designer Jewellers Group,</a> <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/d">ChangeActShare</a>, the <a href="http://www.guildofenamellers.org/">Guild of Enamellers</a>, the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/h">Hand Engraver's Association</a>, the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/k">Institute of Professional Goldsmiths</a>, and the <a href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/u">Society of Jewellery Historians</a>, to promote different sectors of the Industry.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px" class="Apple-style-span">benchpeg survives on time given by the benchpeg team on a voluntary basis, however there are still many overheads to cover !!!! If you'd like to take the load off by contributing <a style="color: rgb(71,146,158); text-decoration: none" href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/o">content</a> or images or helping financially by <a style="color: rgb(71,146,158); text-decoration: none" href="http://newsletter.benchpeg.com/t/r/l/jyutid/l/b">sponsoring</a> a benchpeg edition we'd love to hear from you.</span></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Manchester Jewellers Network Present New Exhibition: ‘Articles of Hope, Adornments for Justice'</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:19 GMT</p> Manchester Jewellers Network soon to present their new exhibition for 2009, “Articles of Hope, Adornments for Justice” a collection of body adornments based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).<p />Launching at The Royal Exchange, The Mezzanine Gallery, Manchester <p />Eleven MJN members have interpreted eleven articles from the UDHR to create unusual, individual and often personal jewellery pieces. Fundamental themes and issues addressed include freedom of choice, hunger, industrial disease, access to medicine, and the female right to vote, knife crime and China's rule over Tibet.<p />The exhibition launches at the Royal Exchange Theatre Mezzanine Gallery on July 1st and runs until Aug 21st. The jewellery is supported by a photography exhibition by Jonothan Keenan, showing shots of the work worn on the body. Taking a journalisitic stance the photographs show the pieces in context, challenging and prompting the viewers response around common human rights issues.<p />MJN decided to undertake this significant project, following the 2008 60th Anniversary of the UDHR. Supported by the Arts Council England, this unique exhibition takes a fresh look at the concept of Campaign Jewellery and embodies the potential to educate and raise awareness of Human Rights. Historically, jewellery is not just worn for the decoration and adornment of the wearer but deliberately carries symbolic significance to show marks of allegiance, political, religious or ethical persuasions to challenge the viewer. <p />MJN have taken the right to express themselves and challenge through the unusual medium of art jewellery, provoking the viewer's responsibility to a fairer world. <p />The Manchester Jewellers Network (MJN) was established in 2002 and is a regional group of the Association for Contemporary Jewellery (ACJ). The group meets regularly to network, lend mutual support and plan challenging new initiatives for both emerging and established jewellers. Through exhibitions MJN develops the profiles of designers in the region, raising an awareness of bespoke work and developing a forum for art jewellery. Exhibiting in new venues accessible to culturally diverse audiences MJN tours work both nationally and internationally. <p />Dates: July 1st – Aug 21st [e] info@adornmentsforjustice.org [w] www.adornmentsforjustice.org <p />MJN website:<p />[w] manchesterjewellersnetwork.co.uk </article> <article> <h1>MA Design: Jewellery 2009 Central St Martins Degree Show</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:16 GMT</p> The culmination of two years of study, MA in Design: Ceramics, Furniture or Jewellery at Central Saint Martins. <p />It features the work of Sarah Rhodes: <p />[w] www.sarahrhodesdesign.com <p />The show starts on Saturday 20th June, 12 to 6pm, and continues until the 25th June.<p />[w] www.csm-madesign2009.co.uk </article> <article> <h1>benchpeg Give Away: ‘Sting of Passion' Preview Evening Ticket</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:14 GMT</p> benchpeg has a ticket to the exclusive Preview Evening of the ‘Sting of Passion' to give away. This looks to be a fantastic Private View of a collaborative project involving an international complement of jewellers.<p />To win the ticket:<p />benchpeg will give the ticket away to the first reader to email to :<p />[w] info@benchpeg.com with ‘Sting of Passion' Preview Evening Ticket' in the subject line.<p />The ticket will go to the first email received.<p />benchpeg will give the book away to the first reader to email to :<p />[w] info@benchpeg.com with ‘Mixed-Media Jewellery Book Competition' in the subject line.<p />The winner will receive the ticket on the condition that they promise to write a review of the exhibition for submission under 24. of the benchpeg newsletter. </article> <article> <h1>N.A.G Members Shortlisted for UK Jewellery Awards</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:11 GMT</p> Several N.A.G. members are hoping to sparkle at this year's UK Jewellery Awards taking place at Grosvenor House Hotel on 16th July, 2009. Winners will be announced at the glittering ceremony hosted by celebrity stylist Nick Ede with dinner and a catwalk show.<p /> <p />The independent judging panel will look at retailers, designers and suppliers from across the country, including the following N.A.G. members in various categories: Jeremy France Jewellers, Keanes, Steffans, Beaverbrooks, Chisholm Hunter, Herbert Brown, Ernest Jones, H Samuel, Wave Contemporary Jewellery and CW Sellors.<p /> <p />Amanda Reavell, N.A.G's Executive Manager said: “There's tough competition to gain recognition in today's economy but we're really proud to see that our members have been shortlisted and we wish them the best of luck.” <p /> <p />The fierce competition however hasn't put off Jo Henderson, Creative Director of Kendal based retailer Wave Contemporary Jewellery, whose five stores are the minimum requirement for the multiple retailer category. She said: “We're very excited about being nominated. We're up against some of the bigger chains so it's nice to see that what we're doing is being recognised.”<p /> <p />For full details of the shortlist, visit:<p />[w] www.ukjewelleryawards.co.uk </article> <article> <h1>Time Compression Technology TCT Live 2009 Conference Programme Announced</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:09 GMT</p> The programme for the world leading TCT Additive Manufacturing Conference has now been finalised. The organiser, Rapid News Publications plc, is pleased to announce that the 2009 line-up is first class in its content, with many leading experts yet again gathering at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, on 20th-21st October, to take part. <p /> <p />This year is a landmark for the TCT Conference as for the first time in its 14-year history the registration fee has been removed – making it completely free of charge to attend. This unprecedented step has been taken to aid designers, product developers and manufacturers who are looking to source cutting-edge techniques and gain expert knowledge to help them stay ahead of the competition. By removing all financial barriers, TCT is underlining its complete commitment to the development of the rapid product development and additive manufacturing industry. <p /> <p />TCT is particularly excited to announce that Ian Risk, Vice President and Head of EADS Innovation Works, Airbus UK, will give the keynote address on Day 1. Airbus is a key player in the commercial use and development of Additive Manufacturing technologies. The presentation will take a look at the sound business reasons for adopting this technology.<p /> <p />Following the keynote address, an impressive array of speakers will take to the stage from some of the industry's leading innovators including: Converse USA; Rolls-Royce; Junior & Tacke; AMRC with Boeing; Crucible Industrial Design; RMRG Loughborough University; Renishaw; Ecolateral ALM/EADS; UKTI Global Entrepreneur Programme; Team Invictus Catamaran Challenge; Biomet Europe; and Cobra UK Automotive. The conference programme has been specially formulated to address key issues including the business reasons for adopting additive technologies, definitive manufacturing applications of additive fabrication, and future considerations such as economic, environmental and corporate social responsibilities.<p /> <p />TCT welcomes back Dr Bill O'Neill from the Centre of Industrial Photonics, University of Cambridge, as Conference Chair. Dr O'Neill will kick off the conference with an overview of the latest technologies on display in the exhibition hall. Called ‘What's New at TCT Live 2009', this begins the conference with a positive outlook at how the industry is continuing to innovate despite the challenges it currently faces. For the final session of the conference on day 2, the organisers are bringing together knowledgeable representatives from the leading technology developers, in order to stimulate lively debate and provide delegates with the opportunity to pose questions on current and future additive fabrication issues. <p /> <p />For the full conference programme and to pre-register, please visit:<p />[w] www.tctshow.com Only pre-registered delegates will be admitted, as places are limited. </article> <article> <h1>Argent of London's Young Jewellers of 2009 Announced</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:07 GMT</p> London jeweller Argent of London today announced the winners of its competition to find the 2009 Young Jewellery Designer of the Year. At a champagne reception Creative Director Gail Goodrich awarded the title to two young designers: Sally Rees and Ginny Henry. <p />The competition was open to any jewellery student or graduates of the last five years, and offers Ginny and Sally the chance to have their work showcased and sold at Argent of London's showroom and through the company's website for the next year. <p />Argent of London's creative director Gail Goodrich is delighted by the two young new talents. “I know too well, how hard it can be to get started in this industry. As soon as I saw Ginny's portfolio I knew that it would sit perfectly next to the rest of our collection. I love the simplicity of the work and the combination of silver and gold which is something that I always include in my own pieces. Sally's work is very different to my own, the detail, shape and form is stunning and I really think that our customers are going to love it.”<p />Ginny Henry came to jewellery later in life after a successful career in magazines. She made her first pieces of jewellery at a Saturday course six years ago and since then has done everything she can to fulfill her dream of becoming a jewellery designer. She has just completed a part time HND in silver smithing, jewellery and allied crafts <p />at London Metropolitan University and has now set up a studio at home where she is focusing on developing her collection for Argent of London.<p />Sally Rees has been training in art and more recently jewellery design for over ten years. Her work is inspired by the different cultures that she has come across on her travels and by her love of dance. The collection she has designed for Argent of London takes its inspiration from Spanish Flamenco a dance form she first came across when she lived in Barcelona.<p />Both designers see winning the competition as a fantastic opportunity. Sally describes it as: “A dream come true” whilst Ginny sees it as “A springboard for my career.”<p />To see the winners work and the rest of the Argent collection visit the Argent of London showroom at 531 Old York Road, London, SW18 1TG or visit Argent's website at:<p />[w] www.argentlondon.com </article> <article> <h1>Craft Blueprint Launched to Tackle Urgent Skills Crisis</h1> <p>Howard — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:35:04 GMT</p> A new action plan to tackle the increasing skills crisis across the heritage and contemporary craft sector has been launched today at a special event at the House of Lords.<p /> <p />This is the first time a skills audit of the craft sector has been undertaken, and the majority of craft employers across the UK were unanimously agreed on a series of actions that can address skills issues.<p /> <p />New research undertaken by Creative & Cultural Skills has identified that craft generates almost £3 billion GVA to the UK economy each year making it the fourth biggest sector (after design, performing arts and music). Given that over 80% of the sector comprises small businesses <p />employing 1-5 people, improving skills is essential to ensure this growth continues in the coming years. Developed in partnership with the Crafts Council, the Craft Blueprint is the result of wide consultation with the employers in the craft sector across the UK and has been overseen by the Craft Skills Advisory Panel from 2006 – 2009.<p /> <p />At the launch of the document Tom Bewick, Chief Executive, Creative & Cultural Skills said: “The report came together after three years of extensive research with craft makers and organisations across the UK. Craft has evolved significantly in the past decade but analyses of the sector's skill needs have been difficult to undertake, and the sector suffers from a lack of understanding and support as a consequence. We'd like to see more people given the opportunity to develop their skill in craft as well as an increased awareness of the various career opportunities. That should include the development of Apprenticeships.”<p /> <p />“The Crafts Council is committed to making the UK the best place to make, see and collect contemporary craft. We believe that the continual development of skills is vital to enable the sector to thrive. Working in partnership with Creative & Cultural Skills and the crafts sector has been a very positive process. The recommendations are already informing the shape of our own skills development programmes; providing further powerful evidence of the value of craft and demonstrating the importance of craft education at school and higher education level. We look forward to joining with others to put the Blueprint's recommendations into practice.”, Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director, Crafts Council said.<p /> <p />The craft sector has one of the highest employment growth rates (11%) in the creative and cultural industries (according to DCMS between the years 1997 - 2006) and the demand for craft skills has never been higher. Expanding entry routes into the sector, diversifying the workforce and enhancing leadership and professional development are some of the main recommendations in the Blueprint. </article> </main></body></html>