Here is the first of a new series of posts here on the PH Blog where you can find out a little bit more detail about our fabulous house residents, what they do, how they do it, and how you can have a piece of the pie!
This week we introduce Jeweller Extraordinaire... Victoria Walker
This week we introduce Jeweller Extraordinaire... Victoria Walker
What does your business do and what inspired you to start?
I design and make kinetic jewellery based on seed pods and flowers. After four years studying fine art and illustration, I took an evening class in jewellery making and fell in love with it. This lead me to study at degree level and I graduated with a first in 2009.
I design and make kinetic jewellery based on seed pods and flowers. After four years studying fine art and illustration, I took an evening class in jewellery making and fell in love with it. This lead me to study at degree level and I graduated with a first in 2009.
How long has the business been going? Who is ‘behind the scenes’?
I have been running my business since graduating in 2009 and currently work alone.
Give me a brief over view of the services you have on offer...
I create kinetic lockets which are the centrepiece of each collection where you will also find non-moving matching items such as earrings and bracelets. I occasionally do commissions.
I have been running my business since graduating in 2009 and currently work alone.
Give me a brief over view of the services you have on offer...
I create kinetic lockets which are the centrepiece of each collection where you will also find non-moving matching items such as earrings and bracelets. I occasionally do commissions.
Have you won any Awards? if so which ones?
Goldsmiths Company Precious Metal Bursary 2008
Exhibitor award, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2012
Describe your studio (Please send a picture or two)...
The smallest studio in Princes House. My traditional jewellery bench was built in by a local carpenter and my bespoke display cases were designed by me and built by my dad.
Goldsmiths Company Precious Metal Bursary 2008
Exhibitor award, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 2012
Describe your studio (Please send a picture or two)...
The smallest studio in Princes House. My traditional jewellery bench was built in by a local carpenter and my bespoke display cases were designed by me and built by my dad.
What sets your business apart from your competitors?
My products are very unique and require and element of engineering in order to develop the kinetic parts. My non-moving collections also include a lot of hollow forms which require specific forming skills.
Do you have a specialist area / style of product that you to create?
I specialise in kinetic fine jewellery based on botanical forms.
My products are very unique and require and element of engineering in order to develop the kinetic parts. My non-moving collections also include a lot of hollow forms which require specific forming skills.
Do you have a specialist area / style of product that you to create?
I specialise in kinetic fine jewellery based on botanical forms.
Who/what are your influences?
I'm intrigued by the idea of creating gentle impressions of the natural world from comparatively harsh materials and tiny mechanisms.
What do you love most about your job?
I love creating pieces of jewellery that give joy to the owner and surprise the viewer. I love the idea that they will be treasured for a lifetime.
I'm intrigued by the idea of creating gentle impressions of the natural world from comparatively harsh materials and tiny mechanisms.
What do you love most about your job?
I love creating pieces of jewellery that give joy to the owner and surprise the viewer. I love the idea that they will be treasured for a lifetime.
Tell me about your favourite client experience...
A Scottish couple expecting a baby saw my work in a gallery in Edinburgh and really liked it. They were looking for a special piece of jewellery that their baby girl could treasure for the rest of her life. Keen for the piece to have a strong Scottish connection, they commissioned me to make a kinetic Thistle Locket for their little Olivia. (They even sent me a picture of her!). I really loved the sentimental nature of the commission and the idea that it might be passed down to her own children.
What are the stages of your service and how long on average does it take from consultation to completion?
Kinetic pieces are always made to order and I usually quote 4-6 weeks (though I'm always keen to meet deadlines for birthdays/anniversaries so they can sometimes be ready quicker if needed).
A Scottish couple expecting a baby saw my work in a gallery in Edinburgh and really liked it. They were looking for a special piece of jewellery that their baby girl could treasure for the rest of her life. Keen for the piece to have a strong Scottish connection, they commissioned me to make a kinetic Thistle Locket for their little Olivia. (They even sent me a picture of her!). I really loved the sentimental nature of the commission and the idea that it might be passed down to her own children.
What are the stages of your service and how long on average does it take from consultation to completion?
Kinetic pieces are always made to order and I usually quote 4-6 weeks (though I'm always keen to meet deadlines for birthdays/anniversaries so they can sometimes be ready quicker if needed).
Top tip for choosing your perfect gift....
If you want to buy jewellery as a gift but you're not sure what size she would be in a ring/necklace/bracelet, I'd say go for earrings as they will always fit!
Can I find you at any wedding fayres this year?
I tend to do contemporary craft fairs rather than wedding fairs. All my shows should be listed on my website including The Contemporary Craft Fair at Bovey Tracey in June and Goldsmiths Fair in September.
What was your best Christmas present?
Baking and cookery books - I love them! My fave this year was called Tart it Up by Eric Lanlard
(note from PH Blogmistress - I can endorse this - Victoria is a master baker! We often have tasty treats in the Princes House kitchen!)
Where can I find out more about your business?
My website vwjewellery.co.uk
If you want to buy jewellery as a gift but you're not sure what size she would be in a ring/necklace/bracelet, I'd say go for earrings as they will always fit!
Can I find you at any wedding fayres this year?
I tend to do contemporary craft fairs rather than wedding fairs. All my shows should be listed on my website including The Contemporary Craft Fair at Bovey Tracey in June and Goldsmiths Fair in September.
What was your best Christmas present?
Baking and cookery books - I love them! My fave this year was called Tart it Up by Eric Lanlard
(note from PH Blogmistress - I can endorse this - Victoria is a master baker! We often have tasty treats in the Princes House kitchen!)
Where can I find out more about your business?
My website vwjewellery.co.uk
