North East gallery gets into the groove with new jewellery collection

A jewellery collection inspired by pattern, repetition and movement takes centre stage at a Newcastle gallery this autumn.

The Biscuit Factory - the UK’s largest independent art, craft and design gallery - presents RHYTHM, a new jewellery collection launching on 6 September that spotlights the art of rhythm in jewellery making processes as well as the finished pieces.

From rhythmically hammered facets and a repetition of shapes, forms and lines to dynamic patterns – the collection comprises a variety of fashionable pieces in a range of unique materials, textures and colour palettes.

Highlights include minimal, sculptural forms by award-winning maker Heather Woof; Computer Aided Design (CAD) faceted works created using 3D printing by Edinburgh-based Kathryn Hinton; and finely enamelled linear pieces by Karolina Baines, inspired by clothing pleats, Venetian architecture and basketry.

Judith Brown’s statement Art Deco-styled jewellery pieces, meanwhile, showcase intricate embroidery techniques and fine wire work; with Chloe Solomon’s hand fabricated, tactile collection influenced by irregularities found in architecture and skylines.

Long-time Biscuit Factory favourite Jessica Briggs has also crafted a contemporary linear collection specifically for this showcase; and Helen Rankin - another popular exhibitor at the gallery - presents geometric, interlocking jewellery pieces that look to the 50s Brazilian Concrete art movement for inspiration.

Jewellery curator, Maike Browning said: “As a jeweller myself, I understand that there is a huge amount of repetition within the craft of jewellery making and silversmithing. The rhythm of a hammer and beating metal repeatedly to shape, form and facet, as well as the careful decisions jewellers make around piecing together multiple elements, can give jewellery a perfect rhythm. The makers I have selected this season use their skills to make beautiful, wearable, unique pieces in silver, gold, vitreous enamel, brass, beads and even precious stones.”

The Ouseburn-based gallery houses one of the largest collections of handmade jewellery in Newcastle. Every piece is available to purchase, with many jewellers also able to work to commission to create something truly personal and extra special for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and weddings.

RHYTHM is part of The Biscuit Factory’s new autumn exhibition, headlined by printmaker and sculptor Henrietta Corbett and featuring the work of more than 200 artists. The show runs from 6 September until 3 November 2019. For more information, visit Thebiscuitfactory.com.