Melissa embraces the transferrable skills within her chosen craft of metalsmithing, approaching her pieces from an engineering perspective. She explores materials, structures, wearability, scale. She rehearses the construction of a piece in her minds eye and through model making in paper and base metals before embarking on the final piece. She draws from folk art and lore, embroidery, basketry and architecture.
Melissa is a self-employed jeweller and tutor working from her studio in the Shropshire Hills. She studied at Sir John Cass School of Art, Whitechapel, London where she was awarded a BA (Hons) in Jewellery and Silversmithing. She worked in Hatton Garden and ran a studio in west London for twenty five years. She was also a part-time tutor at The City Literary Institute, Holborn. Now her practice is in a converted barn just outside Ludlow, Shropshire where she runs classes and works to commission.
During lockdown Melissa forged a collection of handmade spoons, delicate cross-overs between silversmithing and jewellery, using only the materials she had around her. These went on exhibition at the Oriel Davies Gallery, Newton, Wales and are now for sale from her studio.
Melissa delivers courses in jewellery making and silversmithing at Westhope College in Shropshire.
Services:
Upcoming events 2023
Brampton Bryan Open Studios Christmas Trail, SY7 0DH Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd December 10am-4pm
Cleobury Mortimer Country Market, St Mary’s Church DY14 8BX Saturday 16th December 9.30am-12.30pm
Follow Melissa on Instagram
