To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, Ortwin set the makers a challenge; to design and craft a piece of jewellery of their own inspiration using traditional artisan methods.
We displayed the pieces during September and invited the public and industry professionals to vote on their favourite piece.
“What you see here is the result of a challenge that every artist faces, the challenge to make ‘what you feel is right’” explained Ortwin during his presentation speech at the competition awards evening, held in the intimate surroundings of the Lilford Gallery in Canterbury.
After achieving the most public votes and the votes of visiting industry professionals, the Gold Medal was awarded to Julia for her beautiful Mokume Gane and brown natural diamond necklace. A piece inspired by autumn leaves.
“Seeing the pieces of jewellery here together makes me very proud of the talented people, united in our workshop. Each piece has its own personality reflecting the personality of the maker – all different, but also all united in the philosophy of the work of the Thyssen workshops,” added Ortwin. The judges agreed and awarded commendations and Silver Medals to all the other competition pieces.
We would like to thank everyone who came in to our shop and voted and everyone who participated online. The team at Thyssen would also like to thank the professional judges and the Lilford Gallery for hosting a memorable celebration of traditional artisan jewellery.