The team at Grant Macdonald London are eagerly anticipating the results of the Goldsmiths’ Hall 2024 Craft and Design Council competition. This prestigious event is a highlight for creative professionals across the UK, and is set to announce its results in a ceremony, which will be live-streamed from the iconic Goldsmiths’ Hall on YouTube, on Monday 4th March 2024.
The competition is divided into two main categories: 2D design and 3D finished work, catering to a wide array of craftsmanship and design prowess. A unique aspect of the competition is its inclusivity; whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a hobbyist, as long as your work has been completed between January 2023 and 2024, and was made in the UK, you’re eligible to enter. This wide embrace ensures a diversity of talent and innovation, making the event a crucible of creativity, and well worth paying attention to.
This Year’s Categories
Grand Macdonald London holds a particular interest in the Silversmith challenges, which are among the most anticipated categories of the competition.
This year, the Silversmiths 2D Design category has called for entries based on the theme of shadows, reflections, and illusion. This theme invites participants to delve into the rich tapestry of natural and manmade environments, exploring the interplay of light and form to create innovative designs in silversmithing.
The 3D Design category values creativity and originality, with judges looking for entries that demonstrate a competent understanding of materials, form, and functionality, alongside the quality of making. Grant Macdonald London are proud to sponsor the 3D Craft section, which will welcome entries of larger-scale work, functional and decorative objects, including tableware, vessels, bowls and centrepieces. The category will be judged this coming Monday. Subject to our consideration, the winning entrants could be offered a period of experience in our London workshop.
The Judging Process
Like the entries that are being judged, the judging process is meticulously designed, ensuring fairness and impartiality. Entries are anonymised, and judges are drawn from a pool of industry experts to assess the submissions without any identifying information. This blind judging allows the panel to focus entirely on the craftsmanship and design of the entries.
Judges are asked not just to rank the entries, but also to determine if the piece meets the high standards necessary to merit an Award - Gold, Silver or Bronze. The competition emphasises excellence, rather than competition, encouraging the participants to strive for their personal best.
How to Get Involved
The easiest way to discover the incredible designs at the heart of this annual competition is to sign up for the Goldsmiths Hall mailing list, for the latest updates on the competition and to receive a link to tune into the awards ceremony live stream.
If you’re based in London - or plan to visit - the Awards Exhibition will be held from the 5th to the 8th March at The Goldsmiths’ Hall, and is an event that shouldn’t be missed if you have an interest in silversmithing, jewellery, or craftsmanship. This is a unique opportunity to witness the innovation and artistry that define our vibrant community.
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If you’re interested in the craftsmanship at the heart of silversmithing, explore our archive of articles to learn more about what goes into each piece of silver that leaves our workshop.