patrons
Platform is proud to count some of the UK Jewellery Industry top talents as our Patrons. Our Patrons provide inspiration and support to Platform as well as hosting exclusive events within our Showcase space.
Theo Fennell
An attention to detail and ability to interpret grand design on a miniature scale has helped to establish Theo Fennell as an internationally renowned designer of innovative and superbly made jewellery and silverware.
Theo got his first job working as an apprentice designer at the wonderfully Dickensian silversmiths, Edward Barnard, established in the 17th Century. With the help of a largish silver commission, Theo then established a small workshop in Hatton Garden designing and creating silverware. His first shop was opened in Chelsea’s Fulham Road with the founding of his eponymous company in 1982, with further boutiques opening in many of England’s most famous department stores, including Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.
Excellent craftsmanship and intelligent, witty design are the cornerstones of Theo’s philosophy and, to ensure the highest quality, he insists that the majority of his jewellery and silver be made by craftsmen he has worked with for many years.
"I was incredibly lucky to fetch up in this trade and if it hadn't been for all the support given to an idiot boy that I got, I would be busking in the Underground.
Anything that helps foster young talent should be encouraged and Platform is a great organisation to further the young talent in the British jewellery and silver trade, which we all know the best and most original in the world."
Elizabeth Gage
Widely considered as one of today’s most influential jewellery designers, Elizabeth, a highly regarded artist, uses jewels as her medium. A trained Master Goldsmith, Elizabeth’s work is beyond a jewel, it is also an expression of how she sees the world around her.
As soon as Elizabeth learnt the rudiments of diamond mounting her mother presented her with an ounce of gold which she crafted into a ring. It was this special gift that marked the beginning of Elizabeth’s remarkable and distinguished career. Many prestigious jewellery awards soon followed as did her first major commission, from Cartier. Quickly building up her own network of clients Elizabeth bought a small studio in 1979 which was followed by her first boutique in 1984 and finally larger premises, still her main showroom.
"The Jewellery Industry has, so far, allowed me over forty wonderful years of creativity. It is a privilege to work in such a vibrant industry, alongside some very talented people. Platform provides the opportunity to share important knowledge and experiences with the jewellers of tomorrow and ensures the British Jewellery Industry maintains its reputation of creativity and skill. A little encouragement nurtures the green shoots of enthusiasm."
Vicki Beamon
Vicki Beamon is one half of the design duo that makes up the celebrated jewellers Erickson Beamon, renowned for their world famous jewellery that not only adorns their customers and celebrity clients but which graces the catwalks of numerous designers such as Anna Sui, Richard Nicoll and Zac Posen. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Moss and Gwyneth Paltrow are just a few of the fans of the trademark chandelier earrings, statement necklaces and other covetable designs by this esteemed luxury brand.
The design ethos of Erickson Beamon is as vast and varied as its customers with an amazing ability to create designs from street fashion to haute couture. This makes Erickson Beamon at top of its game. Whilst being influenced and inspired by many facets of culture and moving trends the Erickson Beamon signature is always present.
“Jewellery is a product which has grown and diversified over the last 20 years. There are many categories of Jewellery now such as Designer Fashion, Catwalk, Costume, Fine, and Conceptual. It is wonderful that Platform has been created to embrace all of these categories. There are very few places where new, young talent can get the support and training on offer at Platform alongside the chance to sell. Platform will enable them to expand their ideas and learn how to improve their designs. I am really honoured to be a Patron of this great venture.”
Patrick Fuller
Patrick Fuller is a progressive thinker within the UK jewellery industry, combining a talent for identifying product opportunities with excellent interpersonal skills.
Having joined Weston Beamor in 1979, Patrick started the Domino range in 1983, identifying an opportunity for a comprehensive range of jewellery components for working jewellers. He pioneered the use of jewellery catalogues as working documents in the UK and Europe, enabling customers to order with confidence by telephone.
He was active in the discussion on hallmarking standards with other European countries as a member of the British hallmarking Council for nine years. He is also Warden of the Birmingham Assay office. Patrick is also currently a member of the Regional Council for the CBI, a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company. Patrick is a past Chairman of the British Jewellers Association and past president of BJGF (British Jewellery and Giftware Federation) and of Emagold Europe. Patrick’s activities on behalf of the industry have provided the base for many contacts at home and overseas.
"The jewellery trade will always require talented people to drive it forward and any way we can help those people, train, nurture and encourage them is important and positive."
Stephen Webster
Stephen Webster is one of the leading British figures in the fine jewellery and silver design industries. Webster's keen eye for detail, expert craftsmanship and glam-rock attitude has given way to dramatic creations with an eternally chic aesthetic. The unmistakable amalgamation of precious and semi-precious gemstones set in specially treated metals has led Stephen Webster to a three-time win of the “British Luxury Jeweller of the Year” award and winner of “UK Jewellery Brand of the Year” in 2008.
Originating from a modest background, Stephen Webster has evolved into a powerful global luxury jewellery brand with over 120 points of sale worldwide in the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, Dubai, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong and over 20 Stephen Webster boutiques internationally. Webster also continues to build his high-profile celebrity following culminating in an alliance with musical artist Christina Aguilera who appears in the brand's new advertising campaign for Stephen Webster Silver. The Stephen Webster brand offers the consumer a true lifestyle experience – one which has been credited with unprecedented demand.
"Platform is the perfect answer to many of the issues that surround the jewellery industry at this time. All small businesses are currently being challenged. Therefore a central place providing the kind of services and opportunities of Platform should be embraced by all people either in or thinking of starting careers in jewelery."