Cracker
9th November - 29th Jan 2006
Lively collections of new and old favorites from Britain and abroad
Leeds Guide, Dec 2005 Preview of Cracker
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
Yorkshire Post Women's Post, 30 Novemeber 2005
YORKSHIRE POST
30 November 2005
we love...
Unusual ideas for jewellery and Kath Libbert is an expert at finding pieces that can more often be described as wearable art. Her gallery in Salts Mill at Saltaire currently has an exhibition called Cracker which features a whole range of quirky jewellery designs and gifts. There are some very elegant designs, too, including this gorgeous ring in 18ct gold set with citrine from Barcelona jeweller Silvia Piva. It's £411 - one for our Christmas wish list. Cracker is on show until January 29
Women's Post
Leeds Guide, Jan 2006 review of Cracker
LEEDS GUIDE
January 2006
Talking Shop
Your retail hit for the New Year
The excitement of Christmas has worn off and the sale tags are swinging in the shops, but don't feel too fed up as there are a good few new independents to investigate. Got Snow in the Corn Exchange has recently opened and promises to cater to your extreme side, with plenty of snowboards and winter gear for sporty types. Across the dome you've got Fabric Junkie, a dinky and faintly-lit shop rammed with retro and vintage pieces as well as customised tops, bits of jewellery and accessories dotted around the joint. It's a real treasure trove and a great place to pick up oneoffs and, more crucially for this time of year, the prices are very reasonable. Outside the Corn Exchange head over to the Thornton's Arcade where you'll find No.15, a great new boutique run by two former Harvey Nichols personal shoppers, Norma and Sharon. They've sou reed some great and little-known labels including Margo London, Buba and London Denim - names that you'll be hard pushed to find outside London making them an ideal place to find unique outfits for New Year shindigs, or for fulfilling your New Year's resolution to find a great ensemble for those job interviews you might be hoping to get.
If the hustle and bustle of town is too much, hop on the train to serene Salts Mill, Saltaire and take a look at Kath Libbert's latest jewellery exhibition Cracker. The show pulls together the work of 19 designers and artists from all over the UK and overseas. Expect to find old china, hand crocheting, knitted wire, jumper sleeves and Sari's as they're all used in imaginative ways to create collectable, quirky brooches, rings and neckpieces. Naomi Sheppard's silver and gold brooches (pictured) twist into your clothes, don't even need to be fastened and would look fab on your winter coats and woollies. Cracker runs until the 29th January, call 01274 599 790 for more details. VB
Huddersfield Examiner , Nov 2005 review of Cracker
HUDDERSFIELD EXAMINER
24 November 2005
New designs on a crafty Christmas
TWO Huddersfield-based designers are showing their work at a festive exhibition of jewellery and gifts at Salts Mill In Saltalre.
Textile artist Dionne Swift is showing framed wallpleces, including landscapes, while Deb Price, from Holmfirth, is exhibiting bright and funky brooches, bags and purses made from felted wool.
The womens' work is being shown alongside that of jewellers Rebecca Bames, Tanvi Kant, Natalie Ryde and others.
Open until January 29, 2006, the exhibition is at the Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery.
The gallery opened almost a decade ago and showcases the work of contemporary jewellers and accessory makers. It is known for its avant garde collections of unique hand-made jewellery. Salts Mill Is open every day from 10am.