Business is continuing to grow for a Leek based silversmith following a move to larger premises in January of this year.
Jackie Harold, owner of Jacqueline Harold Designs effectively tripled the floor space of her workshop and showroom when she moved across the walkway in Getliffe’s Yard.
Jackie said: “I’d been in my previous unit for just over four years, but I was struggling for space and I desperately needed to separate my workshop from the showroom.
“Moving across to unit no 12 has given me two floors as opposed to one. My workshop area is upstairs, and the ground floor area gives me more space to display my work. It just feels like home now.
“ I’ve also been able to add additional complimentary work such as ceramics, scented candles and art by my son Alex who has recently completed a BA in Architecture.”
Jackie, who grew up in Newcastle-under-Lyme, studied art and design and ran her own interior design business whilst having a day job in insurance.
However, in the late 1990s following the birth of her son she decided to put all her energy into her artistic and creative side and studied for a BA honours in Design, Art & Crafts at Staffordshire University, specialising fine metal, ceramics and plastics.
Following her graduation, Jackie was selected for the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Awards for start-ups which entailed a week-long intensive course, in London with renowned silversmiths.
Working from home, she concentrated on exhibition work making cruet and chess sets which were exhibited at Goldsmith’s Fair, the V&A and in Japan.
At the same time friends were asking if she could make jewellery for them. The jewellery demand grew until by chance she saw a post on Facebook advertising a retail unit at Getliffe’s Yard.
Jackie said: “I went along to view the unit thinking it would be too expensive for me. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the unit and the rent so I took it there and then.
“That all seems a long time ago now. I’m really settled in to the new unit and can’t imagine how I ever managed in the smaller space.”
Photo: Amy Jo Sheldon