FORGE evolves as a creative hub for designer-makers and jewellery aficionados.
FORGE is a new concept making waves in London’s jewellery scene, serving the community as a creative hub and retail outlet with an artisanal workshop open to members.
“We connect skilled artisans and discerning consumers who share an appreciation for creativity, craft and unique design,” says founder Amanda Mansell, who is herself a jewellery designer-maker.
Featuring designer retail showcases on the ground floor entry level and a workshop and meeting pod downstairs, FORGE is a brick-and-mortar space located in London’s diamond district, Hatton Garden.
It opened earlier this year in lively Leather Lane, which accommodates a mix of jewellery shops and a thriving multi-ethnic food market.
FORGE was born out of Amanda’s passion to celebrate Hatton Garden’s heritage, promote UK design and protect craft skills, by offering business support and workspace to artisans and future talent.
Its motto is “enriching lives through creativity” and at the heart of that is the belief that creativity is not only inspirational and nurturing, but contributes to long lasting friendships and professional relationships too.
There are over 100 jewellery shops in Hatton Garden, but FORGE isn’t just another jewellery shop – it’s a destination where you can buy jewellery, learn skills, and make jewellery.
It offers unique jewellery collections by independent designer makers, an affordable co-working space for established and new artisans, jewellery making and skills improvement workshops for all levels and experiences, demonstrations, talks, networking, social events, and a whole lot more – all under one roof!
Hatton Garden
Hatton Garden is steeped in a history of diamond trading and jewellery making.
It’s home to a close-knit community of skilled and respected artisans, designers, diamond mounters, stone setters, engravers, polishers, platers, and materials and equipment suppliers.
It gained its name from Sir Christopher Hatton after Queen Elizabeth I relinquished the land to him in 1578.
The later overspill of Clerkenwell’s jewellery, watch and clock makers into Hatton Garden soon established its legacy as London’s bustling jewellery quarter and a prominent cutting centre for diamond trading.
Whilst today Hatton Garden still flourishes with an eclectic mix of retail and jewellery trading, it also sits comfortably alongside other creative industries such as advertising and digital design, making Hatton Garden a vibrant mix of creativity.
Creativity
FORGE is a multi-purpose creative hub, designed to be as flexible as possible for a variety of uses.
The artisanal co-working workshop is fully equipped with specialist kit and tools, available to FORGE CLUB members to book on an hourly basis as well as a bookable meeting pod.
There are permanent workstations for nine in-house makers who have full access to all specialist equipment.
The ground floor is designed to be a flexible space to suit jewellery retail as well as provide space for jewellery demonstrations, workshops, presentations, talks, private views, networking, and social events.
Design themes across the showcases change monthly.
“It keeps everything fresh,” Amanda says. “Every time someone comes in, we say, ‘Take a look at this month’s theme. Currently, it is Kaleidoscope.’”
FORGE’s regular talks included a session with designer Solange Azagury-Partridge, the former creative director of Boucheron, in September.
Previous speakers have included the ethical jewellery designer Ute Decker.
“Our October theme is “Forged & Formed” Didier, specialising in jewellery crafted by painters, sculptors, architects, and designers from the second half of the 20th century. Didier has handpicked 15 artists to align with the theme of our October showcase,” Amanda informs.