BENCH space

I’m Karen, a silversmith with over 20 years experience in designing, making & teaching. I established BENCHspace in 2019 to share my experience and knowledge of jewellery and silversmithing and to offer people the opportunity to make in metal. I began in 1992 working in retail jewellery, qualifying as a gemmologist (FGA) and retail jeweller (RJDip) before gaining a degree in Silversmithing & Jewellery at the Sir John Cass School of Art, London. I worked as a silversmith within a busy London workshop, making bespoke large-scale commemorative and decorative silver artworks. I then went on to become a fully qualified teacher working with secondary pupils teaching Design and Technology: metalwork, woodwork and plastics. I have taught all ages and abilities over the years and I strongly believe that making is good for the soul, whatever your ability. After relocating to the Essex Coast, I gained my master’s degree in Contemporary Art & Professional Practice from Essex University.