About
Helen studied Jewellery & Silversmithing at Birmingham City University and completed an MA in 2001. While on a 1 year Design Enterprise Fellowship scheme in The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham … Helen gained the knowledge and experience to become a self-employed Jeweller and Metalsmith sharing a workshop in the Jewellery Quarter and later running regular Silver Jewellery making workshops and Beading & Wirework classes.
Helen Dugdale designs and makes a range of innovative contemporary jewellery, metal bowls and hollow forms from her workshop in Northamptonshire.
Inspiration
Skilfully interlocking metals in a variety of ways …. a technique she has developed over the years, originating from childhood memories of the revolving picture book illustrations by Ernest Nister. This technique has been used to create the interlocking patterns of her Spiral Collection of Jewellery and Bowls.
There has always been a strong underlying influence taken from the visual significance of old linen bindings used in the ancient process of mummification. This tightly bound image has mysteriously worked on a subconscious level, becoming a visual metaphor of a timeless human condition to cherish, protect and hold someone dear, at times, to the point of restriction and immobility.
Helen has applied this concept in a collection of bowls and hollow forms and this is also an ongoing source of inspiration for the interlocked circular elements which make up the Bound Collection of jewellery.
Process
From the initial sketches, templates and design mock-up … each stage is carefully considered.
Both metals are accurately saw-pierced and filed before interlocking and soldering into place, a time consuming process with little margin for error. When soldering is complete, it is cleaned and formed into a unique piece of jewellery.