The Goldsmiths’ Centre appoints Julia Balchin as Director and Richard Reid as Chair of the Board of Trustees

Julia Balchin joined the Goldsmiths’ Centre as Interim Director in March 2026, succeeding founding Director Peter Taylor MBE following a competitive process, and has now been appointed permanently to the role. With more than 20 years of experience across the arts, culture and education sectors, Julia has dedicated her career to delivering skills-based education for creative practitioners and advancing professional development to support a thriving UK creative industries sector. As former Principal of the Royal Drawing School, founded by HM the King in 2000, she led the organisation’s transformation from a medium to large scale charity, delivering its strategic vision, securing long-term financial sustainability, and establishing it as one of the UK’s leading art schools.

During a 15-year tenure with The Prince’s Charities, she worked closely with HM the King in addressing the need for high quality skills-based arts education, protecting craft and allowing traditional skills to evolve within contemporary practice. Under her leadership at the Royal Drawing School, student numbers grew to 3000 weekly, a digital expansion reached 22 countries with commercial income increasing by 68%, and over £15 million secured in donations.

With extensive experience in finance, governance and philanthropy, and a longstanding commitment to vocational training, craftsmanship and community engagement, Richard Reid now looks forward to serving as Chair of the Goldsmiths’ Centre’s Board of Trustees. Richard is a Chartered Accountant and former Chairman of KPMG London, where he spent more than three decades advising businesses and leading the firm's London practice until his retirement in 2015. He currently holds a number of non-executive and advisory roles, including serving as the Chairman of Bank of China UK, as Deputy Chairman of Berry Bros. & Rudd, and as Chairman of the National Heart & Lung Foundation. A member of the Goldsmiths' Company since 2009, Richard served as its 697th Prime Warden in 2024-25.


Julia Balchin, Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre shares: I’m honoured to take up the role as Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, alongside Richard Reid, our new Chair of Trustees, the talented team and wider community as we collectively bring the refreshed mission and vision to life. Leading the organisation in a time of change and transformation for the sector brings opportunities for innovation and collaboration, leveraged by the Centre’s unique position and understanding of students, trade and industry needs. Nurturing and training the next generation requires much more than teaching alone. Building on the Centre’s pioneering vision – where technical skills training, affordable workspace and business support combine for success – we recognise that gaining a qualification is not an end point, but the beginning of a continuous partnership in which careers can truly flourish, as evidenced through 700 years of Goldsmiths’ Company apprenticeships. Now in its 14th year, with a burgeoning community of successful alumni, the Goldsmiths’ Centre is revitalising its strategy to significantly grow its impact, reach and support of the UK’s jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades.”
Current Chair of Trustees of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Michael Wainwright, Chairman of Boodles, speaks about Julia’s and Richard’s appointment explains: “We are delighted to welcome Julia and Richard to their new roles at the Goldsmiths’ Centre. Together, they bring the vision, expertise and passion needed to build on the strong foundations of the Goldsmiths’ Centre as it continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of jewellery and silversmithing in the UK.

Annie Warburton, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Goldsmiths’ Company, explains: As the new Director of the Goldsmiths’ Centre, Julia Balchin brings a wealth of leadership experience in creative and vocational training. Her exemplary tenure as Principal of the Royal Drawing School makes her a wonderful fit for the Centre as it builds on the impact of its first fourteen years. I’m delighted to be working together with Julia and incoming Chair, Richard Reid, whose shared commitment to vocational training will be instrumental to the Centre's continued success.
 
It is a great privilege to become the Chair of Trustees of the Goldsmiths' Centre. Under the leadership of the former Chair, Michael Wainwright, and Director Peter Taylor MBE, the Goldsmiths' Centre has built an exceptional reputation for nurturing technical skills, supporting the growth of businesses and championing excellence in craftsmanship. I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, our new Director Julia Balchin and the talented team, our partners and primary funder the Goldsmiths' Foundation to build on this strong foundation. Together, we will continue to inspire, champion and develop the next generation of industry professionals, makers and businesses, strengthening the national talent pipeline and working in partnership to build a sustainable future for the UK's jewellery, silversmithing and allied industries, reflects incoming Chair of Trustees, Richard Reid.