Pateley Bridge jewellers in showcase event
Talented Pateley Bridge-based artisans will join fine jewellers and silversmiths from across the country in an exclusive selling exhibition this month.
Joanne Gowan and Alice Clarke will showcase their work at Acquire at Ampleforth - a free three-day event at Alban Roe House in the grounds of Ampleforth Abbey - from Friday September 18 to Sunday September 20.
“Bringing these 16 talented designers to a venue as historic and atmospheric as Ampleforth Abbey creates an unforgettable experience,” said Joanne, who organised the jewellery and silversmiths event.
She added: “It will be a unique opportunity to learn the stories behind the craft and to choose exquisite pieces.”
Joanne has worked as a jeweller for more than 40 years and has lived and worked in Pateley Bridge since 2024.
She created the Pateley Jewellery Quarter, which opened at King Street Workshops (known as Pateley Makers Yard, last spring.
Joanne creates one-off jewels and ‘picture’ pieces by hand, using precious materials.
She often takes themes, from her sketching and watercolours during her time away from the workbench.
The picture pieces are inspired by her passions for landscape, nature, history, archaeology, ballet and literature - each one is entirely unique as fine art which can be enjoyed, displayed or worn.
Meanwhile, Alice is inspired by wild landscapes - from the Falkland Islands to the Yorkshire moors.
Alice returned to her hometown of Pateley Bridge in 2024 after running her jewellery business in the Falkland Islands for several years.
She brings her ideas to life at the wax bench, then casting pieces in house and eventually stone setting and is also based in the Pateley Jewellery Quarter.
Joanne added of the three-day exhibition: “Visitors can plan a whole day out with Ampleforth’s excellent on-site tea rooms serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, plenty of onsite parking and the Abbey Church to visit.”
In addition to the boutique shopping experience, Acquire has partnered with Susan Rumfitt, the highly regarded jewellery specialist from the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, to organise a programme of ticketed talks.
These expert-led sessions will offer enthusiasts and collectors a deeper look into wider jewellery related topics including history, artistry and allure of fine jewellery.