25

Joanne Thompson presents a new collection celebrating 25 years as a practising jeweller. This exhibition focuses on her iconic chain mail technique.

Joanne studied Jewellery & Silversmithing at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 1993, before completing an MA in Jewellery at the Royal College of Art in London in 1995. Her distinctive silver and soft black palette is playful and sensual; elegant movement is integral to her jewellery – beautifully made, beautiful on and loved by women. Ancient chain mail patterns are a constant inspiration. Joanne experiments with the scale, weight, form and texture of the chains, making sculptural forms, necklaces, bracelets and earrings which are voluminous yet light, tactile and extremely durable. Fascinated by unit construction techniques in jewellery making, she enjoys the way hard precious metals can be translated into soft forms which flow and stir with the body. Every circle in each unique handcrafted piece is formed, soldered and finished by Joanne.

We have created a series of films and blogs to accompany the exhibition and you can click here to read our Q&A with Joanne and view our series of short films here.