Julia Balchin announced as Interim Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre
We would like to announce that Julia Balchin, former Principal of the Royal Drawing School, has been appointed Interim Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, starting in March 2026.
With more than 20 years of experience across the arts, culture and education sectors, Julia has dedicated her career to delivering skills-based education for creative practitioners and advancing professional development to support a thriving UK creative industries sector. As former Principal of the Royal Drawing School, founded by HM the King in 2000, she led the organisation’s transformation from a medium to a large scale charity, delivering its strategic vision, securing long-term financial sustainability, and establishing it as one of the UK’s leading art schools.
During a 15-year tenure at The Prince’s Charities, she worked closely with HM the King in addressing the need for high-quality skills-based arts education, protecting craft and allowing traditional skills to evolve within contemporary practice. Under her leadership at the Royal Drawing School, assets grew 60% in 5 years, with over £15 million secured in donations and a 68% increase in commercial income. Extending the reach of the school, student numbers doubled to 3000 weekly with training accessed in 22 countries, and she supported over 400 emerging artists and creative professionals as they embarked on their careers – all graduates of their highly prestigious postgraduate programme.
Speaking today about Julia’s appointment, Michael Wainwright, Chair of Trustees of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, explains:
“We are deeply grateful to Peter Taylor MBE for his exceptional dedication and support of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the Goldsmiths’ Company, and the wider industry over the past 37 years. His leadership, commitment, and vision have made a lasting impact on the charity and the communities it serves. As we build on this strong foundation, we are delighted to welcome Julia Balchin, who will guide and inspire us as we embark on the next chapter of the charity’s journey, ensuring the trade’s continued relevance and long-term health through high-quality teaching and training.”
“I am honoured to take up the role - Peter leaves an indelible legacy - the work of the Goldsmiths’ Centre has been transformational for so many young silversmiths and jewellers, who are the future of the trade. What is most inspired at the Goldsmiths’ Centre is the understanding that nurturing and training the next generation requires so much more than teaching alone – professional development, affordable workshops, employment or business startup support are of equal importance for success in today’s world. When we recognise the qualification not as a jumping off point, but as the beginning of a continuous partnership, careers truly flourish. I am delighted to work with the team in taking their unique work forward; remaining relevant to the needs of silversmiths and jewellers in an ever-changing education and industry landscape, supporting the trade, and making the exceptional quality of the Goldsmiths’ Centre and the opportunities it creates, accessible to as wide a field as possible.”
– Julia Balchin, incoming Interim Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre
“The highly specialised skills required in our industry take years to master. They are built upon equally specialised training. Under Peter Taylor's leadership, the Goldsmiths' Centre has transformed how we nurture the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths, ensuring these vital skills endure. Julia Balchin brings precisely the experience in education and training needed to lead the Centre through its next phase, as the industry continues to evolve. I very much look forward to welcoming Julia to Goldsmiths and to working together.”
– Annie Warburton, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company