Jewellery Designer & Maker

Metal is an intriguing material to work with. I love its strength and enduring qualities which, together with its paradoxical malleability, present me with endlessly absorbing challenges. I am fascinated by the transforming nature of jewellery when worn. My pieces are designed and made to complement and enhance the body.

Inspired by

I gather my design references from many sources, but am particularly drawn to historical buildings and old stonework. I love the balance and proportion of ancient architectural detailing, which is reflected in the classic shapes and subtle textures of my collections. 

Using sterling silver, 18ct gold, precious, semi-precious stones and pearls, each piece is individually hand-crafted using traditional metalsmithing techniques to create elegant, timeless and very wearable jewellery

History

Alison Flanders has over 30 years’ experience designing and hand-crafting silver and gold jewellery. After graduating from Middlesex University in 1976 with a BA Hons degree in silversmithing and design, Alison moved to the States, where for many years she ran her own jewellery business. Throughout the 80s and 90s she also held a number of teaching positions in colleges of art in New York City, including the prestigious Parsons New School for Design. Her work has been exhibited at numerous events throughout America and the UK, including the American Crafts Council Show, Philadelphia Museum Show, American Craft Exposition, New York International Gift Fair and the Chelsea Craft Show and Dazzle in the UK.

She relocated back to London in 2005 and is now based at Cockpit Arts in Holborn where she continues to make work for private collectors and teach students in her dedicated workshop.

In 2017 Alison was involved in an amazing project run by Jinks McGrath for Turquoise Mountain, teaching jewellery in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Classes & Workshops

“I find it very rewarding to enable students to realise their designs and ideas.” 

Alison Flanders runs a series of dedicated jewellery workshops in traditional metalsmithing techniques. Aimed at both complete beginners and those with some experience of jewellery making, Alison’s classes take place in her purpose-built studio at Cockpit Studios in central London. Since the Covid Virus has arrived, classes are kept to a maximum of 3 students, enabling Alison to give each individual as much one to one tuition as possible. Each student has their own workbench and soldering torch. All tools are provided. There will be safety visors and disposable masks available.

There are allocated dates for the workshops, but if other days are preferred please contact Alison to see if there is availability.