Makers’ Party, Hallmark Salon 2014 | Irmgard Fisher

About

Background

Over a three-decade career, I have championed excellence in design and manufacturing in the jewellery, silversmithing and creative sectors, spanning design, production, communications and research and serve as an adviser to organisations within these fields. I was also part of the management team that established the Goldsmiths’ Centre in 2011.

Trained as a vocational silversmith at Medway College of Art under Norman Bassant and Ian Calvert, and later as a designer at the Royal College of Art with David Watkins and Michael Rowe, I bring expertise in traditional silversmithing, design, production management, education, programme development, communications, and partnership building.

My passion for raising awareness of contemporary silversmithing, fostering professional skills development and mentoring the next generation of craftspeople has inspired key initiatives. These include Silver Speaks, which established partnerships with the V&A, Christie’s and Georg Jensen for Contemporary British Silversmiths, introduced live silversmithing demonstrations at the V&A.

I also contributed to the development of CBS’ Skills Training Programme and the South House Silver Workshop Trust graduate apprenticeship programmes. Most recently, I directed Silver in the Fast Lane: 40 Years of Fox Silver at the Goldsmiths’ Company on behalf of Fox Silver.

As the founding member and Creative Director of ERA5050, a campaign advocating for equality on British stage and screen, we have successfully collaborated with key organisations like Equity UK, BFI and the Geena Davis Institute. Our efforts, which earned a What’s on Stage Award in 2019, have been credited with fostering stronger female representation in UK media.

Current roles

Trustee
The Goldsmiths’ Foundation

Committee Member
Communications & Marketing Committee
The Goldsmiths’ Company

Steering Group
The Goldsmiths’ Company Ground Floor Development

Trustee
Bishopsland Educational Trust

Consultant
Serpentine

Director
ERA5050

Affiliations

Honorary Member
Contemporary British Silversmiths

Liveryman
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

Freeman
City of London

Member
Heritage Crafts Association

Fellow
Royal Society of Arts

Lettering by late silversmith Graham Stewart