Natalie Jane Harris
I was born in Stirling in Scotland but have moved all over the U.K
before settling in the market town of Ashbourne in Derbyshire.
After leaving school I went to Derby College to do my ‘A’
levels and then onto Chesterfield College to do a BTEC National
Diploma in Art and Design, I knew I wanted to be a jeweller even
then and all my education choices were based on getting more experience
and knowledge. After my time in Chesterfield I decided on Loughborough
University to do my degree. Bishopsland followed university and
that year in Reading was probably the best career move so far! Towards
the end of Bishopsland I was offered a job working for jeweller
Malcolm Betts which I took and learnt a huge amount about precious
jewellery very quickly.
When I came to the end of my apprenticeship with Malcolm Betts I
decided to swap the hectic pace of London life for something more
peaceful up in the Peak District, I found myself a small workshop
and applied for a Princes Trust start up loan. I’m now a year
into working for myself and have just recently moved to Banks Mill
Studios in Derby, which is a supported community of artists and
crafts people.
Most
Recent Qualification
September 1999
– June 2002
BA (Hons) Degree in Silversmithing and Jewellery, grade 2.1
Loughborough University School of Art and Design.
Employment and
Training
September 2003
– February 2006
Workshop assistant to Malcolm Betts, working in platinum, 18 and
22k gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones.
During my time at Malcolm Betts I worked on large orders of handmade
jewellery for export, as well as one off individual pieces to commission.
September
2002 – August 2003
Postgraduate course in self employment as a jeweller / silversmith.
Bishopsland Workshops, South Oxfordshire.
Bishopsland is a one year course in becoming a self-employed jeweller,
including applying for exhibitions, making contacts with galleries,
stock management, photography, records and tax.
