Wendy Ramshaw
1939 – 2018
Wendy Ramshaw is best known for her signature ringsets on sculptural stands, a concept she originated. Her work also encompassed designs for textiles, glass, screens, gateways and sculpture
She was initially inspired by the romance and beauty of machines, space age technology and the structures and rhythms of nature. Her work was about complication and how far you can push an idea and she constantly researched and experimented, finding new materials and extending her sculptural vocabulary. Her large scale projects complement architecture and interiors, as her jewellery dresses the human body.
Ramshaw was named a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in 1973, one of the first two women to be admitted to the guild’s ranks, and in 1986 she was made a Lady Liveryman. She became a Royal Designer for Industry (RDI) in 1999. In acknowledgement of her services to the arts, Wendy Ramshaw was awarded the CBE in 2003.
David Watkins
Following an early career which spanned sculpture, jazz piano and model making for science fiction movies, David Watkins turned his creative attention to studio jewellery in the early 1970s. In his own words at that time, ‘How Jewellery Might Be’ was the idea that was to drive his studio research. His very individual approach to the possibilities for jewellery as wearable art quickly placed him at the forefront of work in the genre as part of the first wave of a movement that became known as ‘The New Jewellery’ and attracted many invitations to exhibit around the world.
He was Professor of Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery at the Royal College of Art from 1984 to 2007.
Miranda Watkins
1967 – 2020
With her distinctive fusion of minimalist refinement and structural precision, interdisciplinary British designer Miranda Watkins, created unique, innovative designs for contemporary spaces. Entirely adaptable across space and scale, her designs comfortably bridged the boundaries between design and art. The scale, finish and materials used were often adapted to create unique, site-specific commissions from domestic settings to grand-scale public spaces.
Miranda created objects that were thought-provoking, visually engaging, often tactile, sometimes playful, and always pleasing to use as well as to look at. She had the deepest respect for skill and technique, often working closely with local highly skilled craftsmen and engineers. Miranda strove to create beauty in her designs, from her trademark dynamic kinetic mobiles, elegant light installations, and furniture, to tabletop products, where her designs in pewter were outstanding, and jewellery. Miranda’s understanding of materials was key to her working process and contributed to the compelling beauty of her objects, whilst also being specific to their function. Whether hand crafted or precision engineered, all materials are high-grade and flawlessly hand finished in British workshops. All Miranda Watkins designs are made in the UK
Established in 2003, Miranda Watkins Design was based in central London. From her studio showroom beside the Thames Miranda worked with clients around the world, enjoying great diversity of projects, from creating site-specific artworks to consulting on manufactured products for global brands. She also worked as a design consultant and developed successful collaborations with manufacturers and retailers on a broad range of commissions, including lighting, product and jewellery design. Clients included: Calvin Klein, Swatch, Burberry, Heals, Universal Music Group and Wallpaper* magazine.
Miranda exhibited internationally. Her work is represented in permanent collections including The Royal Institute of British Architects and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London.