Isabel Keim
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The Precious Metal Grant Competition now available for Jewellery & Silversmithing students

The Goldsmiths’ Centre has now opened applications for its Precious Metal Grant competition aimed at HND, BA or MA level students studying jewellery, silversmithing or a related subject. The grant offers students the opportunity to design and produce a piece of their own work in precious metals supplied by Cookson Precious Metals (London) worth £750.

These annual bursaries give up to 12 silversmiths and 8 jewellers the unique opportunity to design and make jewellery, silverware or associated pieces in precious metal, based on the quality of their submitted designs.

These annual bursaries give up to 12 silversmiths and 8 jewellers the unique opportunity to design and make jewellery, silverware or associated pieces in precious metal, based on the quality of their submitted designs.

Last year’s competition saw talented silversmith Sheng Zhang, an MA graduate from Edinburgh College of Art, The University of Edinburgh, produce a series of silver dishes, entitled Off-Vertical 1. Inspired by minimalist art, contemporary architecture and geometry, Sheng’s winning work is on display as part of Shine 2018, the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s annual showcase of new talent in jewellery and silversmithing, until 29 November 2018.

Silversmith Sheng Zhang upon winning the competition explains: “I was honoured to be granted The Precious Metal Grant by the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Before applying for this grant in 2016, I did not know about any grants or bursaries because in my country there is nothing like this competition. Since I won the award, it has opened so many doors for me.

The Precious Metal Grant is more than just a competition”, says Helen Dobson, Programme Manager for Education at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, “it offers students to be judged on their design proposal by a leading panel of experts. Many recipients have created precious metal pieces that have gone on to win other awards and be entered into prestigious showcases.

Applications for The Precious Metal Grant competition close on Sunday 6 January 2019. For more information and to apply, visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/courses