Saddlers Call in on Goldsmiths' Centre
Members of The Saddler's Company Trade Liaison Committee were welcomed to the Goldsmiths' Centre by Director Peter Taylor MBE and jewellery designer Benjamin Hawkins, to learn from its model of technical training, affordable workspace and business support.
Learning from a Nurturing Craft Community
The Goldsmiths' Centre offers technical training, affordable workspace, business support and funding opportunities as part of a nurturing craft community. Benjamin Hawkins, a graduate of the Centre, is a fine jewellery designer working and living in London who specialises in bespoke, one-off jewels, taking time to understand each client and design a piece as a homage to the wearer.
The Saddlers sought to learn from the Goldsmiths' Centre in order to apply what was discovered to an ongoing Saddlery Trade Training Review, which will in turn deliver a Level 2 and Level 3 saddlery and leather training framework required to sustain craft skills in the industry.
Further Visits Across the Sector
The group also visited Martin Wilkinson Saddlery, Capel Manor College, Cockpit Arts and the London College of Fashion, all of whom offered a warm welcome and shared their knowledge and experience. Attendees were grateful for the visits and excited about plans coming together for the future, and look forward to working with these organisations further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosted the Saddlers at the Goldsmiths' Centre?+
Director Peter Taylor MBE and jewellery designer Benjamin Hawkins hosted the Trade Liaison Committee.
Why did the Saddlers visit the Goldsmiths' Centre?+
To inform an ongoing Saddlery Trade Training Review that will deliver a Level 2 and Level 3 saddlery and leather training framework.
