As a self-taught jeweller and hand engraver, it was an honour to be featured in Hidden Figures of Yorkshire, a book celebrating the craftspeople and makers keeping traditional skills alive across Yorkshire.
Created by photographer Caitlin Pharaoh of Hummingbirds Photography, the book shines a light on the people behind these disciplines, documenting their work, their processes and the knowledge they continue to preserve, practise and evolve.
Caitlin visited my studio back in February while I was engraving a batch of custom lighters for a client. We spoke about my work and the processes behind it. I’m grateful to have been included alongside so many talented makers, each with their own approach to their chosen craft.
Traditional craftsmanship has always been the foundation of my jewellery. My designs draw heavily on historical ornament, symbolism and decorative techniques. Hand engraving, in particular, offers an opportunity to carry forward a skill with a long and intricate history. I love that I can engrave the same design ten times, yet each piece retains its own character through the marks made by hand.
The launch took place at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in York, a beautiful medieval building dating back to 1357. Stepping inside was an experience in itself. For an engraver with a particular love of heraldic banners and ornate wood carvings, it was a goldmine of inspiration.
It was also a pleasure to spend time talking with other makers and hearing about their experiences of preserving traditional techniques in Yorkshire. One thing that really struck me was how many were self-taught. Many had carved out a place for themselves in areas where the trades and industries they worked in no longer existed, building something from the ground up through sheer determination and a willingness to learn.
There was something distinctly Yorkshire about that spirit: a resourcefulness and grit, coupled with the curiosity to pursue a craft even when there is no established path to follow. It was inspiring to meet so many people finding their own way while ensuring these skills have a future.
Thank you to Caitlin for creating such a thoughtful project and for continuing to shine a spotlight on often endangered crafts and the people keeping them alive across the United Kingdom. It was a pleasure to be part of it.
You can discover Caitlin’s previous book, Hidden Figures of the Southwest, and her latest release, Hidden Figures of Yorkshire, through the Hummingbirds Photography website.
