Not Too Precious

Artist list

Attai Chen, Carina Chitsaz-Shoshtary, Eunmi Chun, Warwick Freeman, Emmeline Hastings, Sari Liimatta, Märta Mattsson, Jasmin Matzakow, Kazumi Nagano, Shinji Nakaba, Lina Peterson, Zoe Robertson, Michihiro Sato, Mariko Sumioka, Emiko Suo, Tore Svensson, Janna Syvänoja, Mirei Takeuchi, Timothy Information Limited, Terhi Tolvanen, Catherine Truman, Flóra Vági, Heather Woof, Christel van der Laan, Felieke van der Leest

Not Too Precious explores inspirational work by 25 international jewellers using materials for their expressive potential rather than for their intrinsic value. Radical artist jewellers of the late 1960s and 70s vigorously rejected the idea that jewellery should be considered ‘precious’ simply because of the materials of which it was made. Today, the use of a huge variety of materials in jewellery is far more accepted, but economic pressures are putting that freedom of artistic expression at potential risk as people revert to traditionally ‘valuable’ materials for ‘safety’. Not Too Precious challenges preconceptions about ‘non-precious’ materials by encouraging us to consider ‘accrued value’: what talented makers bring to their work through their ideas and skill.

The selected artists, who currently work in the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, create innovative, skilfully-made jewellery that is insightful and culturally resonant. Sometimes poignant, sometimes witty, their work communicates at many levels. It is above all honest and – for want of a better term – not too precious.

An accompanying showcase exhibition in the Retail Gallery highlights work by more recent graduates and makers coming to jewellery from other fields.