For this weeks instalment of our 'Meet the maker' interviews we speak with Hannah Bedford. Her signature style of organic sprays of granulation details with beautiful, semi-precious stones interspersed amongst crevices and silhouettes inspired by nature.
We are fortunate to stock a wide range of Hannah's work, from everyday studs, and little pendants which are perfect for gifting. through to show-stopping cocktail rings.
When did your jewellery making journey begin?
Even as a small child I had a deep fascination with the sea and the minutiae of natural formations. I loved collecting tiny shells, pebbles and seeds - examining how they fit together and grew, tracing the patterns and textures. I vividly recall first seeing jewellers working at the bench when visiting The ‘Jelly Leg'd Chicken Arts Centre’ in Reading, where I went on to get a Saturday job. I was fascinated by their process. The way they were deeply connected one-to-one with their craft - immersed in this world of detail and creativity. I also loved the idea that the finished artform was functional. When I went on to do an Art Foundation course, I requested to explore metal work and jewellery making. This wasn’t something they catered for so I pursued it singlehandedly - engrossed in books by contemporary jewellers.
Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)
This is a difficult one for me as often my greatest inspiration comes from subtle day-to-day interactions, exploring commissions with clients. That said, the first time I saw a book about the jeweller Gerda Flöckinger, back when I was eighteen, I immediately recognised something extraordinary that I wanted to explore further. Similarly when I came across microscopically detailed illustrations by Ernst Haeckel I was entranced. This was someone who was examining the natural world in a way I totally related to. Shifting to a different scale altogether - artists like Andy Goldsworthy, for his sublime interactions with nature, and Ai Weiwei, whose activism is delivered with such a beautiful understanding of form.
Is there a favourite project or assignment from your course that inspired you or proved pivotal to your final collection? / professional practice
During my degree at Birmingham School of Jewellery I was very interested in combining materials, and exploring themes of repetition and natural growth. These have all remained a signature to my work. It was also at Birmingham that I was briefly introduced to the ancient art of granulation, which I was immediately drawn to. I went on to complete a residency with Bishopsland Educational Trust where I completely fell in love with granulation - leading me to go on to train with the master of granulation - Giovanni Corvaje in Florence, Italy. There is something ‘alchemistic’ in this beautiful process in which tiny gold spheres are created on charcoal and bonded together. Granulation posed a myriad of creative possibilities to me, particularly when combined with my love of mixed precious metals.
How do you work - Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?
Often initial ideas are influenced by natural forms, seascapes and growth patterns - as well as through technical explorations. I sketch a lot, and like to model in silver. So much of what I do with granulation is very organic and intuitive - I read with my hands. I often liken the process to starting from a single granule, which is like a seed, from which ideas grow. I am always exploring different ways to use these minute droplets of gold - each one handcrafted and unique.
Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?
Well the compressor is definitely one of the sounds of the studio, but perhaps not the one that most motivates me! I absolutely love a podcast - Adam Buxton is a long-time favourite. I like the whimsy and warmth in his humour and how the conversations just gently meander and flow along. I’m based at Cockpit Studios alongside a community of artists and makers so I’m always listening out for recommendations. My studio music veers towards downtempo, electronic, soul, and funk - Maribou State, SAULT, Barry Can’t Swim. Although I can get into more of an electronica dance vibe sometimes. Throw a bit of Little Simz and Róisín Murphy in the mix and I’m happy!
What’s next for you and your brand?
My team and I have been undergoing training, funded thanks to a Goldsmiths’ Centre Business Catalyst Grant. Working with the master craftsperson Marcel Salloum, we have been perfecting a unique granulation setting style - which is signature to my brand. I’m keen to carve out some space this year to explore this creatively, stretching the boundaries of what is possible with the technique. I am excited to be building a little home studio in our garden, so I can continue to thrive in the buzz of the Cockpit workshop, whilst having room for quieter creative time.
It has always been important to me that the jewellery I create is responsibly made and that the materials I use are responsibly sourced. As a brand, I want to give back - supporting people and the planet so I’m busy taking the next steps in this journey. This year I became an advocate for the ‘buy women made’ movement and pledged 1% for the Planet - alongside our ongoing commitments through Ecologi and for the Marine Conservation Society.
Which is your favourite piece either historically or from your current collection?
My favourite piece is always the piece I’m currently working on or have just finished! During the making process you are so completely connected to the work and how it evolves, it is a little love story in itself! My Hidden Ring, a concept piece and my first work entirely in gold, holds a very special place in my heart. I loved it to the extent that I had to keep it for myself. It has an 18ct gold dome - edged with delicate granulation and is completely adorned with hidden granulation underneath. A beautiful textural landscape and a secret - unbeknown to all but the wearer.
Finally, for fun, what would be your absolute dream piece to make or person to create for?
Remodelling has become a huge part of my practice and I love how it pushes me into new creative pathways. My absolute dream scenario is when a lovely client takes the plunge to transform dusty jewellery they no longer wear. This is especially exciting when there are intriguing materials or damaged pieces which can be brought back to life. When the materials have a history / personal story it makes the creative process even richer with meaning. The final transformation and seeing the response from a client is utterly precious.
We stock an extensive range of Hannah's collections from everyday earrings and pendants to show stopping cocktail rings. The exclusive Spina Ring is available in our 'One of a Kind' Ring exhibition. live online and instore if you'd like to pop by and try these on.
This collection celebrates artistry and craftsmanship. Every designer was asked to create a piece that is authentic to their own distinctive aesthetic and creative voice. From vibrant rainbow clusters to intricate details inspired by the coast, there is something to captivate every taste. Whether you are a collector or a jewellery enthusiast, we invite you to explore exceptional pieces by some of today’s leading independent designers.
