Speaker for 24th October 2017
Coleraine Probus find magic, in silver and gold
Coleraine Probus were given a unique peek into the world of beautiful designer jewellery, when goldsmith Robert Spotten can along to talk about his work at a recent meeting.
After completing a basic Jewellery course at the Tech College, Robert applied to a local Jeweller for a job. As part of his interview, he was given the task of making in silver, a Star of David in a circle, about the size of a 10p piece - it is more complicated than it looks because of the many angles, which have to be exact. The test took him a day and a half (Robert said that theses days it would take him about 3 hours), but the Jeweller must have been happy as he took him on as an apprentice.
Robert stayed with the Coleraine shop for 17 years, learning his trade and developing his skills, but times got tough and he lost his job when the shop closed its doors for the last time. This was the impetus to get Robert and his wife to think about going into business themselves as designers and makers of fine jewellery. The club members were then treated to a remarkable slide presentation of examples of Roberts' work together with an explanation of how these pieces were made - or should we say, 'were beautifully hand crafted' as 'made' just doesn't do these works of art justice!
A few years ago Robert took some time off work to study for a fine arts degree at the University of Ulster. This he gained with honours, and in fact the Arts Council on viewing his degree pieces so liked the work that they purchased it for display at the Arts Council. Robert's rapidly growing reputation as an imaginative and skilled goldsmith was advanced even further when he was commissioned by the Coleraine Council to create a white gold replica of the 'Bann Disc', which was presented to her Majesty the Queen on her recent visit to the borough.
Quite a lot of Roberts' current work is in 'upcycling' older jewellery for people. This is often in the form of combining two or more pieces; family heirlooms, rings or brooches that are no longer fashionable; are of great sentimental value, but not suitable to ware, etc. Again, Robert showed the members examples of this work. The intricacy of the fine detail on many of the pieces shown was almost breathtaking and several members were muttering 'how did he do that?'. And as one member commented on the work we saw, 'we are in awe of your skills'.
In our world of mass production, plastic accessories and cheap imitations, we are certainly very lucky to have such a gifted and imaginative craftsman in our town. In fact you could almost say that Roberts' abilities are the 'Jewel' in our crown.
For a look at the range of Jewellery Robert has on offer, 'Click' on the ring below (this will open in a new window):
You can keep up with Robert's work and view some lovely photos on his 'Facebook' page, just 'Click' the blue 'F' button below (this will open in a new window):
