Creative Links: Jo Hayes Ward in Conversation

Jo will discuss how she built and has grown her distinctive jewellery brand and team over the last 20-years, remaining creative, distinctive and true to her sustainable principles. Rachael will ask Jo how she harnessed new technologies to create her characteristic style, the steps she took to exclusively make fine jewellery, what her working day looks like, the role of collaboration and delegation, and the balance between commission-based work and the development of collections.

Jo describes work as 'metamorphic’; her exquisite pieces are formed of multiple elements and textures which combine to create contemporary compositions that hint at geological forms whilst having an architectural feel. Harnessing how light reflects off her designs results in a dazzling effect which is the cornerstone of her work. Since starting her business in 2006, Jo has continued to create timeless, sculptural, pieces with a commitment to craftmanship and sustainability.

At the beginning of the event there will be the opportunity to network and talk to peers, and at the conclusion of the in-conversation Jo and Rachael will be pleased to answer your questions.

Hours: 6 pm - 8 pm.
Price: £12 (includes a drink)
Location: The Goldsmiths’ Centre, London
Booking link: https://www.goldsmiths-centre.org/whats-on/creative-links-jo-hayes-ward-in-conversation/


Who are the speakers?
Jo Hayes Ward is a fine jeweller fascinated by harnessing the power of light. Her aesthetic centres around multiple intricate elements coming together to form each composition. The results are magic; her designs are described as wearable sculpture. 
Jo’s metamorphic aesthetic hints at geological form. Her celebration of 3D shape and texture lends her work an architectural but also organic feel. Jo is fastidious about detail, positioning each block and facet meticulously so that light catches the many delicate elements dramatically and shadows form; flashing on and off, her jewellery comes to life.  
Jo is passionate about jewellery working hard for the wearer. Her unique designs mean that her pieces are timeless and versatile enough for any style or occasion, with the intention of being passed down for future generations to enjoy. 
Since launching the business in 2006 Jo has developed eleven main JHW collections, which all her designs fall into. She also takes bespoke commissions, customises and repurposes unworn or unloved jewellery into new pieces created in her aesthetic. 

Rachael Taylor is a British freelance jewellery journalist and regular contributor to a wealth of titles across the globe including The Financial Times, The Telegraph, The Independent, Condé Nast, Rapaport and Retail Jeweller. She is also a sought-after speaker, a judge at prestigious jewellery competitions, including the UK Jewellery Awards, and is an ambassador of The Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council. Rachael is also the author of two books on jewellery, Cartier: The Story Behind the Style and Tiffany & Co: The Story Behind the Style. In her earlier career, Rachael was the founding editor of Professional Jeweller and WatchPro magazines, and co-founder of The Jewellery Cut.