LEEDS GUIDE
December 2005
Preview Cracker
A cracking selection of jewellery and crafts
just in time for Christmas
Don't
get me wrong, 'Cracker' was an amazing piece of popular television
(and due for a comeback if our spies in TV land are anything to
go by). Its gritty realism was unsurpassed and Robbie Coltrane's
booze-swilling, ladyloving anti-hero Fitz was an important lesson
in addictive behaviour if ever there was one. But for all its favourable
reviews, it was all a bit grim up north, and has forever linked
a word that should be fun and festive with a depressing world of
slain prostitutes and overweight Scottish drunks. Still, a sparkling
new collection at the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery in Salt's Mill
is set to put the razzle dazzle back, with a bumper crop of pieces
from 19 different designers. Gathering plenty of tempting bits and
pieces together, it's just the thing for the festive season, and
the array of work means there's something for everyone, from your
flamboyant Aunt Wendy to your stylish older sis. To look prettier
than the fairy on the tree, adorn yourself with the creations of
Silvia Piva; decadent pieces made from precious metals and stones,
which are a world apart from your usual Christmas baubles. Get set
to sparkle with Sarah Lawrence's hammered silver, or try Gill Newton's
glamorous rings, bangles and earrings in brushed silver and gold.
Think dangIy chandeliers might make a butch bloke like you look
camp? Try Chris Phillipson's silver textured cufflinks, or if jewellery's
not for you, a framed textile wall piece by Dionne Swift - perfect
for your posh riverside pad. If you're after something completely
different (and have warm, fuzzy feelings for the DIY bits on 'Blue
Peter'), Deb Price's woolly wonders should suit. Fashioned from
buttons, blankets and jumper sleeves, their bright furriness will
brighten up the dullest winter coat. Similarly, Sarah Chiltern's
bold resin pieces (everything from chunky necklaces to 'multi-finger'
rings) may contain quaint countryside scenes but are an example
of modern jewellery at its most creative. Still loving that make-and-do
vibe? Rebecca Barnes' love of tea drinking and the etiquette surrounding
it has influenced her delicate rings and things made from porcelain;
Tanvi Kant creates necklaces from thin strips of sari fabric; and
Katie Clarke makes conversation-starting creations from bright beads
and feathers. Still not satisfied? Browse designs from other artists,
including Leom Heath, Natalie Ryde, Blanka Sperkova, Marketa Sumannova
and Naomi Shepphard. Gallery owner Kath Libbert emphasises her enjoyment
of this collection by saying, "It has been great fun selecting the
work for Cracker, both revisiting gallery favourites to discuss
new collections and discovering amazing new talents that I can't
wait to showcase in the exhibition. It really does make for a cracking
combination!"
Until 29 January, Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill, Saltaire
Gayle Hetherington
