SilverHub Jewellery School and Studios History
At SilverHub Jewellery School and Studios we have the belief that the act of making has the power to empower, transform and change lives. As a social enterprise, we aim to provide education, training and creative support to individuals who wish to develop their skills and business in jewellery design. The fees paid by both the resident artists and the students who attend our classes help to fund our community development and socially engaged projects within the wider community. Founded in 2010 by Lisa Arnott, SilverHub Studios was established when it was identified that there was a lack of professional workshop space and support for jewellers. Expensive and costly tools and equipment make it hard for jewellers to continue their professional practice especially after their professional training. As a creative hub, SilverHub provides a professional and educational workshop and studios space to enable jewellers at all levels, to grow their business and flourish.
Jewellers in Residence
SilverHub Studios offers a base for professional jewellery designers known as Element47 to design and create their collections. This wonderful mix of established jewellers adds to the rich wealth of knowledge, skills, and expertise within this friendly and nurturing studio environment.
Emerging Talent
SilverHub Studios offers emerging designers a space to develop their own personal practice while supported by the other residents and with access to the wealth of tools available in the studio.
Community Projects
Design and Making whilst being a distraction from pain and anxiety can offer respite from mental ill health. The process of making can have a positive impact on health and wellbeing whilst advancing the individual’s personal development and self-esteem. To date SilverHub Studios has funded, through the core business model, pilot courses, individuals, community development and socially engaged craft and design projects.
Education, Training and Business Development
SilverHub Jewellery School currently runs day time and evening leisure classes, a Foundation course, professional development workshops, portfolio preparation and a lecture series of invited artists. SilverHub community-based projects are projects which we provide creative jewellery workshops for those that are socially isolated or economically disadvantaged. SilverHub Studio provision provides an avenue for our emerging professionals and professionals to develop their practice, exhibit, business support and development, networking and collaborations.
Circular Economy
SilverHub Studios provides full time employment (job share) for two resident jewellers, freelance teaching for two other resident jewellers. Jewellers in Residents who are interested in teaching go through an inhouse training programme and are provided with support and supervision. Our full-time team are both qualified in Education.
Foundation Course
This course provides a good progression for students who wish to develop their skills and practice within jewellery design and wish to develop a portfolio for college or start their own craft business. The course includes practical approaches to the research and development of design ideas and practical skill-based projects at a more advanced level. The course includes taught sessions, demonstrations, self-directed studio work, group discussions, one to one tutorial and presentations from invited designers and artists who share their practice. In addition students visit Munich during Jewellery Week and curate their own end of year student exhibition which takes place in June.
