Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester attends the opening of Goldsmiths’ Fair

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester today attended the opening of Goldsmiths’ Fair, the UKs premier destination for independently made contemporary silver and fine jewellery, at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London. 

A regular visitor to Goldsmiths’ Fair since its launch in 1983, Her Royal Highness was greeted by Prime Warden (Chair equivalent) of The Goldsmiths’ Company, Richard Reid, and its CEO Annie Warburton, before being taken on a tour of the Hall to meet a selection of this year’s craftspeople, and view the exhibitions accompanied by Harriet Scott, Head of Goldsmiths’ Fair. 

Now in its 42nd year, Goldsmiths’ Fair gives visitors from around the globe, a unique opportunity to see, try, and buy precious metal craftworks directly from 136 of the best independent fine jewellers and contemporary silversmiths working in the UK today.  

In 2024, the Fair welcomes the first ten recipients of its new Emerging Business Bursary Scheme, which is designed to support craftspeople at the beginning of their careers, and to reflect the many and varied routes that people take to join the trade.

Alongside the works for sale, visitors to this year’s Fair will be able to experience: Lost and Found, an installation curated by silversmiths Adi Toch and David Clarke, which responds provokingly to the surrounds of Goldsmiths’ Hall; Strike a Blow, an exhibition exploring the act of making using metals, curated by silversmith Simone ten Hompel with support from Dr Frances Parton; and Enamel, an exhibition showcasing the range of enamels in The Goldsmiths’ Company Collection, curated by Dr Dora Thornton, including the Coronation Cup commissioned by the Company for His Majesty King Charles III. 

Prime Warden of The Goldsmiths’ Company, Richard Reid said:  

“Goldsmiths’ Fair is one of the main ways that the Company supports our trade, craft and industry, and we were absolutely delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to Goldsmiths’ Hall to see the dazzling array of talent and celebrate the opening of this year’s Fair.”

Goldsmiths’ Fair is open to the public from Tuesday 24 September – Sunday 29 September, and Tuesday 1 October – Sunday 6 October.


Photography by Iona Wolff, who retains copyright ownership © of these images. These may only be used for non-commercial editorial purposes and cannot be sold or used for other marketing purposes without permission of The Goldsmiths’ Company and Iona Wolff.