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.
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