School of Design Silversmithing & Jewellery
Archie Wain
‘Rural Reflections’ is a collection of playful, wearable pieces of jewellery which
explore personal experiences and perception of value. Deriving from summers spent
at a family farm in North England, my collection, consisting of brooches, pins, rings,
Bracelets, and necklaces feature a kinetic element of movement, mimicking the
mechanisms involved in navigating farming equipment, gates and chains found on
farm grounds and pastures inviting wearers to engage with my jewellery on a deeper
level.
Using bronze, brass and silver alongside press-forming, 3D Printing, lost-wax casting
and stone setting techniques, my collection showcases a rustic, organic body of
work, featuring sheep’s wool from the farm to create a strong sense of the nostalgia I
associate with these memories. It was important to explore a variety of metals to
present varying finishes to my work.
Ultimately, ‘Rural Reflections’ is more than just jewellery; it’s a testament to the
profound beauty found in the simplicity of rural life and a celebration of the enduring
value of sentimental memories. Each piece serves as a wearable reminder of the
timeless treasures waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places.