About the exhibition 

Our curatorial vision was to create a contemporary jewellery composition that captured the stillness and richness of a traditional oil painting. Just like a physical exhibition might do, we wanted to give people a reason for pause in a fast-paced world. And to encourage them to appreciate the craftsmanship and precision within this elegant and eclectic collection of jewellery. 

Our six exhibitors responded to an open call inviting applications from jewellers who make work using ethically sourced materials. They were selected by an expert panel of industry leaders. Each of our participating designers received a funded masterclass in jewellery photography from New York’s Alain Simic in order to further strengthen and sustain their creative practice. 

The exhibition features individual still life compositions highlighting key pieces from each jeweller. These have been styled by Stacey Hunter and photographed by Gabriela Silveira. The resulting images have been unveiled on the first day of NYCJW, 16th of November. Our jewellers each had one-to-one sessions with us to discuss the themes of their work and these were developed into a concept for a photoshoot. These took place on location at the workshop of Fife company Chalk Plaster who make traditional and contemporary decorative plaster reliefs. The resultant images have been produced collaboratively and offer audiences in New York and internationally a glimpse of what’s new and fresh about contemporary jewellery from Scotland. 

A special event 

On the last day of NYCJW20 we asked jewellery lovers to join us for a fun, immersive and celebratory show and tell event. Viewers met our jewellers, saw their work up close and asked questions in a specially created, live-streamed green screen powered environment where Edinburgh and New York linked-up online for an hour of design themed discussion and exploration. 

New York City Jewelry Week 

New York City Jewelry Week is one of the world's most modern jewellery festivals and the largest and most diverse showcase of talent, ideas and jewellery in one virtual week. It runs from 16 to 22 November 2020. For the 2020 iteration it expands its exploration of all things jewelry beyond New York's borders and across the globe with the first ever virtual jewellery week. The event offers everyone intimate experiences, uniquely personal stories and unforgettable jewellery moments from inspiring innovative voices from around the world, all from the comfort of your own home. 

Munich Jewellery Week 2021

We are delighted to announce that Still Lifes has been selected to feature in the digital version of Munich Jewellery Week 2021. This year, Current Obsessions magazine invited artists, designers and independent curators to build exhibitions on the pages of the Current Obsession Paper just as they would in a gallery space at Munich Jewellery Week. The Local Heroes x the Incorporation of Goldsmiths virtual exhibition Still Lifes is featured in this beautiful printed publication that Current Obsession have created in place of their in-person programming.

About the organisers 

“I’m thrilled to be experimenting with radically new exhibition formats that can make jewellery more accessible to everyone and to be able to bring high quality Scottish design to international audiences.” — Stacey Hunter, Director/Curator, Local Heroes 

“This is an exciting partnership and I’m confident this experience will be of great value to our makers. The focus on ethical making is important to us as it underlines Scotland’s proactive role in supporting more sustainable methods and sourcing in jewellery.” — Ebba Goring, Director, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths 

 Still Lifes: Scottish Jewellery at NYCJW was created in partnership with Local Heroes design agency.

This exhibition is made possible with the support of the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.