Illuminating historical pieces
- Katy works at Made by Ore studios
- She spent a term in Oslo learning metalwork
- She collects her materials from pieces she finds outside
After graduating from the University of Hertfordshire with a BA in Contemporary Applied Arts in 2015, Katy Gillam-Hull was approached by a curator with a job offer. That opened a new path. Part of her work was a residency with a museum to explore its collection. She became obsessed with objects which were forgotten, fragmented and broken, and the histories behind them. Consequently, her work is inspired by the past and artefacts. Mostly she works in precious metals incorporating found objects, often pieces of ceramic or glass with forgotten beauty or a narrative and shows them in a new and reverential light. In the future we may see her other passion, textiles, incorporated into her work.
Interview
- How your craft linked to your homeland?
- My craft is quite British. I make a lot with found objects or imagery from historical artefacts so my work reflects the culture of that time. Currently I’m making jewellery inspired by 17th to 18th century European jewellery and also making work with items I find on the River Thames.
- Do you master any specific techniques?
- I regularly use silver and copper wire work to make ghostly frames that represent objects. Also I quite enjoy learning more traditional techniques such as repousse, so as to subvert and play with their possibilities in a contemporary format. This gives it an antique yet modern feel.
- What is a memorable moment in your career?
- When I was offered a residency with a museum and visited their archive for the first time, I was so excited to explore the collection. It felt like it was too good to be true that it was my job to work with such fascinating objects. That sheer excitement for my job started then.
- When did you decide to pursue this craft?
- I first made something in silver when I was 14 at a beginner's ring class. I was so excited by the possibilities it offered and have loved it ever since. I was always creating and knew from a very young age that I would go to Art College, there was no question about it being my career.
Katy Gillam-Hull is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2018
Where
Katy Gillam-Hull
