How did you become a jeweller?
I was always busy as a child, making things of all sorts. I especially loved sewing, embroidery and knitting. At school I was drawn to the art and metal working departments, and the teachers were very encouraging. The art department had a fantastic range of specialist facilities - you could try everything from etching, drawing and painting to sculpture and embroidery. I did my art foundation at Watford School of Art and then went on to Birmingham School of Jewellery for my degree in 3D design, where I was able to experiment with ceramics, textiles, industrial design and interior design.
After graduating I set up a workshop/studio. I worked for Louise Slater, a prominent contemporary jeweller, and produced my own small collections of jewellery to sell wholesale via trade exhibitions. I soon learnt to move away from experimental ideas using plastics and wood to working with metal and gemstones. I had part time jobs to supplement my income whilst developing my business. In a moment of low self-esteem and funds, I was offered a career with Marks and Spencer, starting in lingerie with the opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. I declined.
I went on to sell my jewellery in galleries and shops across the UK and all over the world. In the early nineties I sold to Liberty of London, an achievement of which I was very proud.
How has your style developed over the years, and why?
I’ve always strived to be original and different with my design, slightly quirky and with a classic feel in some pieces. I have always followed my instincts and in recent years have focused on the natural world as my theme.
Tell us about a favourite piece that you’ve created
The piece I’m most proud of, and that’s been the most popular, is the leaping hare. This was inspired by making papier maché animals for a window display when I had my shop on the Cowley Road. I love creating with papier maché, it gives you the freedom to make anything! For pieces such as this I carve and build the form in metal, and I tried to incorporate a feeling of movement and three-dimensionality into the hare. I tend to sketch ideas onto paper and then glue them into a sketch book, as I feel more freedom to make marks onto paper.
Jewellery can be a very personal thing. How do people tend to respond to your work?
Jewellery making can be incredibly emotive. Over the years I have made many commissions for people, including lots of wedding and engagement rings (some very unusual and involving some risk-taking on the part of the partner!) I always find commissions very humbling, as I try to channel my skills into the piece to produce something special that will be cherished and eventually become an heirloom. One piece was in memory of a young girl tragically killed whilst on holiday. Her father commissioned a pendant for her mum, inspired by how their daughter signed every card with a kiss and a heart in each corner. I was emotionally drained after making the pendant. I later met her mum and she gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which I have a photo of as my screen saver on my phone. I still get emotional thinking about it.
Have you ever experienced a moment that you felt validated your decision to pursue a career as a jeweller?
Two things stand out for me as proof that I was right to follow my instincts: the success of the hare pendant and the recent discovery that one of my great, great grandfathers was an architectural sculptor in wood and stone. I’m going into my 66th year next year and feel pleased to be able to reflect on a very successful career. I’ve no plans to give up making, although it might be at a slightly slower pace!
What does an average day look like if you’re spending it making?
My average day is walking my two dogs, going through emails and dealing with any enquiries for commissions. I have to keep an eye on stock to replenish, especially items that have to be sent to Birmingham for gold plating. I also develop new ideas to add to the collection. I recently made a wren pendant that has had a good response from people, so I have just made tiny wren ear studs and a tiny charm that could be a bracelet or pendant.
What sort of art, and which artists, inspire or influence your work?
My influences include Gustav Klimt, whose work I love for the patterns, stylised imagery, colour and use of gold. I recently discovered Hans Reichel and admire his use of different media, such as drawing with ink and watercolour, a medium I like to use.
What other things inspire you?
My world is caring for my dogs, and feeding the birds and hedgehog in my garden. I am passionate about creating a habitat for wildlife, and growing plants and vegetables. I’ve realised also that it’s important to allow myself to be creatively inspired by my habitat.
If you could go back and meet your younger artistic self, would you have any advice for them?
Have self-belief, trust in your intuition, go for it and get yourself out there. Having my shop on Cowley Road was a tremendous boost to my business and made my name known within Oxfordshire.
· Check out our collection of Bridget's jewellery