Out in Monmouth, Atelier Gilmar, run by Gill and Alan Saunders, are a artist-focused studio working specifically with jewellery, whose aim is to make strikingly modern, fresh designs for the connoisseur.
The studio was established in 1983 by British contemporary goldsmiths Gill and Alan Saunders. Having developed a passion for design and pure craft, they work to produce modern artistic jewellery to the highest standard.
Craftsmanship and creativity, together with perfect composition of space and form, are some of the criteria that inspire the distinctive work of the two artists. They both adhere to the concept of handmade, therefore making every piece produced individual and unique.
Gill and Alan exhibit successfully in the UK, Europe and in America, where their jewellery is showcased by many specialised contemporary jewellers, galleries and private collectors.
They formed their business within two days of leaving college. They knew exactly the progression they wished to take, and although they work as a team they both have very different design ideas.
As regards inspiration, this is where their teamwork excels; their creativity is very much a two-way communication, bouncing ideas off each other.
The couple are keen cyclists and travel with their bikes during July (there is always a sketchbook and camera in the front pannier). They get their inspiration from everything they see and feel; it could be a favourite place, an artwork or a piece of architecture. Their latest collection, Jewellery Meets Architecture was inspired by the lines and contours of Frank Gehry’s magnificent buildings.
Their latest collection is titled Dancing Diamonds and was inspired by a couple dancing the tango at this year’s Regensburg Jazz Festival. The goldsmiths wanted to integrate the passion of the dance into their designs, and after talking with the dancers and hearing more about the dedication it takes to perfect this art, they agreed to meet up next day so that they could sketch some of the moves and talk more about the techniques of the Tango. To meet people who are as passionate about their craft as Gill and Alan are generates a unique atmosphere of creativity. On returning to their studio, having been so inspired by the experience, they began work on the Dancing Diamonds collection.
Alongside their collections they also offer many other aspects of work, the main one being ‘bespoke’. Bespoke is an individual way of connecting and expressing style to achieve the perfect piece of jewellery – it’s about designing and making something unique, working together with a client to create a piece that tells a story, or celebrates that special event in their lives.
Working together, sourcing a much sought-after gem or exploring a specific design brief often results in the perfect jewel – a true original.
White Swan Court, Priory St., Atelier Gilmar, Info: www.ateliergilmar.com