Co.Lab4

Co.Lab4 is a collaboration between silversmith Bryony Knox and jewellery artists Jacqueline Bell, Jenny Deans and Simone Nolden.

Between them they use a range of specialist metal-forming techniques such as repoussé, fold-forming, wire work and chain making to explore the notion of movement, flow and direction in precious metal.

Co.Lab4 was founded by the four Edinburgh makers with the aim to support each other in their practice as self-employed artists, but has since become a “creative think tank” where the four encourage each other to work beyond their tried and tested methods and explore new ideas to create exciting contemporary designs.

This is the first year Co.Lab4 will be taking part in Elements as a joint group, and we are delighted to bring you behind-the-scenes for a look into their work and practice of making.

Bryony Knox’s elegant work brings a hint of humour and glamour to the simple items we use in our daily rituals. Covering a wide span from the theatrical to the everyday, the designs cleverly combine figurative sculpture and functionality with a large dollop of wit.

She makes an eclectic range of items from decanters and vases to card boxes and sprung paper-clips, with function and form inspired by the essence of animals and birds. Each individual piece is brought to life using the techniques of repoussé and chasing, often combined with glass, enamel or gilded details, creating contemporary functional silverware with a twist.

In the studio with Bryony Knox: sketches, tools, works in progress and finished piece.

Bryony in the studio, image by Rachel Heir

Flying Fish Boutonniere, kinetic brooch in chased silver, image by A. Clark

Jacqueline Bell is an Italian-trained goldsmith who works by hand in precious metals and gemstones. She constantly seeks to add a modern twist to traditional jewellery making techniques. Her work consists of bespoke pieces with clean, modernist lines and classical proportions.

Jacqueline is also an experienced jewellery tutor, and has recently opened a small classroom in Coburg House where she teaches traditional jewellery skills.

In the studio with Jacqueline Bell: sketches, tools and finished pieces.

Jenny Deans is an award-winning jeweller who uses silver and gold wire to create her sculptural jewellery pieces. Jenny’s inspiration comes from a combination of nature and architecture. She has exhibited both within the UK and internationally, and regularly teaches at Edinburgh College of Art, Leith School of Art and Coburg House.

In the studio with Jenny Deans: inspiration, tools, works in progress and finished pieces.

Simone Nolden’s work characteristically combines both precious and non-precious materials to challenge the traditional concept of value. She explores the past history of everyday objects and re-invents them, revealing their new life as contemporary jewels. Simone trained as a gold and silversmith in Cologne, Germany from 1990 to 1995. She graduated as a product and jewellery designer from the School of Applied Science Düsseldorf in 2002.

In the studio with Simone Nolden: tools at the bench, works in progress and finished pieces.

To learn more about Co.Lab4 and their work, you can find them at Bryony Knox, Jacqueline Bell, Jenny Deans and Simone Nolden. Co.Lab4 will be taking part in this years’ digital Elements: A Festival of Jewellery, Silver and Gold.

Images and video courtesy of Bryony Knox, Simone Nolden, Jacqueline Bell and Jenny Deans.