David Watkins

Bio

David Watkins, born in 1940, is a British artist renowned for his pioneering work in contemporary jewellery. Initially recognised as a jazz pianist and sculptor, he brought a dynamic blend of structure and improvisation to his jewellery practice.

Born in Wolverhampton, Watkins studied Fine Art at the University of Reading, where he met his lifelong partner, Wendy Ramshaw. Together, they made an early impact on jewellery design with Optik Art Jewellery and Flat-pack paper jewellery in the 1960s. His fascination with film technology led him to work as a special effects maker for 2001: A Space Odyssey, an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic vision.

As a pioneer in computer-aided jewellery design, he pushed the boundaries of materials, working with gold, titanium, acrylic, and neoprene. His creations range from minimalist compositions to bold, sculptural forms that redefine jewellery as wearable art. In 2012, he designed the medals for the London Olympic Games, further cementing his legacy in design. ​He was a Professor of Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery at the Royal College of Art from 1984 to 2007.

Watkins’ work has been exhibited internationally, including a retrospective at the Victoria & Albert Museum in 2010. His pieces are in major collections, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo. In 2006, the British Library recorded an oral history interview with him for its Crafts Lives collection, and in 2009, Graham Hughes published a joint biography of Watkins and Ramshaw.

Through decades of innovation, Watkins has quietly shaped contemporary jewellery, expanding its possibilities while maintaining a deep respect for craftsmanship.
 

Statement

David Watkins’ jewellery is defined by experimentation, precision, and a deep engagement with technology. Embracing materials from paper and acrylic to industrial metals and gold, his work balances rhythm, form, and structure while maintaining an essential connection to the body. As a pioneer in computer-aided design since the 1970s, he continually pushed the boundaries of jewellery-making, integrating laser technology and industrial techniques.
When he talks about his approach, David says: My intention is to be psychologically liberating. To wear my jewels is a contrived and conscious act, like singing compared to speech, or dancing compared to walking.