This exhibition references and connects Janice Derrick’s creations and illustrates how some of her most iconic ranges took form. The show also features Janice Derrick’s newest collection, the Precious Collection. 2022
Full list of Featured Collections:
Flat – first made 1995
Coiled – first made 1995
Moving – 1998
Collaboration with Bodo – 2000
Bamboo – 2003
Double-loop – 2013
Spiral – 2014
Ore – 2015
Botanic – 2016
Edges & Equilibrium – 2017
Cluster – 2019
Texture & Line – 2021
Precious – 2022
Janice Derrick
2019
Necklace – Sterling silver, oxidised silver and 18ct yellow gold cluster and tubing with pearls and Labradorite beads .
Janice Derrick
2016
Brooch – Textured silver circle leaf brooch with 18ct yellow gold edge.
Janice Derrick
2016
Brooch – Textured silver circle brooch with pierced leaf shapes and 18ct gold leaf .
Janice Derrick
2017
Sterling silver planished brooch with gold plate and small fine silver planished bowl
Janice Derrick
2017
Sterling silver planished brooch with gold plate and small fine silver planished bowl
Born in Trinidad in 1972, Janice migrated to England at the age of sixteen. In 1996 she graduated with a BA (Hons) in Silversmithing, Jewellery and Allied Crafts from the prestigious Sir John Cass faculty at London Guildhall University. The following year Janice received a Clerkenwell Award from the Clerkenwell Green Association to set up her studio near the heart of London’s jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden. In 2005, Janice returned to Trinidad where she continues to develop her jewellery and silversmithing practice.
Over the last twenty one years Janice has exhibited her work in Germany, France, Ireland, the US, Trinidad, Japan and across the UK. Her pieces have been featured in Vogue (UK), Harpers and Queen, World of Interiors, The Sunday Times (UK), The Guardian (UK), Retail Jeweller magazine (UK), Instyle magazine (UK), The Evening Standard(UK), Time Out London, The Newsday (Trinidad), Trinidad Express, Trinidad Lookbook, 6 Carlos (Trinidad) as well as The Rings Book (UK, 2002), 1000 Rings (US, 2004) and The Contemporary Jewelry Exchange (Denmark, 2015).
Images by Michele Jorsling
Sometimes it seems like just yesterday that I fell in love with metal and its possibilities as my passion for it is still strong, but when I look back at all the collections and one-off pieces that I’ve created it makes sense that it’s been twenty-five years I’ve been trying to make a living in this discipline.
The initial idea for this exhibition was a collection of 25 rings but as time went on it only made sense to also show complimentary pieces from each chosen collection. It was a difficult task choosing what to show though as there has been so much over the years, so I went with the designs that not only made me proud but the ones I enjoyed making the most. For me, enjoying the making process is essential as each creation is literally a labour of love. I’ve resurrected designs some of which I haven’t made in over 20 years… this will probably be the last chance to enjoy many of these as I have no plans to revisit them again.
The design of my jewellery has always been two pronged. There are the geometric, precise lines that I cannot get away from but also the organic lines of some collections which have largely been dictated by instinct where the process of making leads the way. No matter the design though the handmade element is always constant. No piece is perfect but rather a close human fabricated version.
As always, simplicity, clean line, the structure of manmade or natural forms, movement, geometry and the delicacies of nature that I observe in the world around me, are my faithful influences. A keen observation of people and life in general usually provides the final details on designs – the quality that makes the piece wearable as opposed to just being a beautiful object. Listening to comments from clients is also an invaluable source of information; more often than not these suggestions will be incorporated into new designs.
As the title of this exhibition suggests, this was an inspiring exercise in looking back at previous designs as it has re-ignited many ideas that were not fully pursued and will hopefully now be incorporated into new designs. I’m looking forward to exploring what’s coming next.
-Janice Derrick
