Emma Kate Francis is an award-winning designer, silversmith and jeweller. Since moving to Wales in 2008 she’s gained three awards and opened a beautiful boutique studio and gallery in Pontcanna.
EXPOSURE
Tell us about your gallery
My boutique gallery is based in 183A Kings Road Studios - a little ‘artisan alley’ I like to call it. It’s in the heart of Pontcanna, Cardiff and the entrance is quite discreet but it’s just opposite Wyatts Home emporium. I like the fact that people venture to this part of Pontcanna - they always find something unusual and unique. It’s one Cardiff’s best kept secrets!
How would you describe your work?
I design and make elegant tableware and jewellery in silver, gold and platinum with the addition of diamonds and other stones and pearls. I’m really inspired by Art Nouveau and Bauhaus. More recently, I’ve designed a range of pewter tableware for the Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty’s of London which will be launched in the next year. That’s going to be a really exciting project. Also, I create many bespoke pieces for clients and love making personal, unique gifts.
What are the price ranges?
There are items to suit everyone’s purse. It depends on what customers are looking for and I work to their budget. I like to give my clients several options when giving a quote and explain exactly what they get for their money.
Have you always been interested in jewellery design?
I’ve always been a bit of a magpie. When I was young I’d dip into my mum’s jewellery box when I’d dress up just to finish an outfit off! I’ve always loved design, sculpture and making things, so jewellery really encapsulates everything I’m interested in.
After completing an art foundation course in Brighton, which is one of the best ways to find your niche, I went to Camberwell College of Art to do a BA in Silversmithing. This course had a large foundry and I found myself making large architectural and sculptural pieces. It was when I went to Germany as part of an Erasmus Exchange program that I first had a taste of silversmithing. Their teaching was amazing and I learnt a lot in that year, even though I didn’t know one bit of German - that was even more of a challenge! I went on to gain a place at the Royal College of Art, London to study for a Masters Degree. It was inspirational, the students and teachers, the atmosphere, I really pushed myself to experience everything there.
Anything new and exciting on the horizon?
There is so much happening this year. I won a commission to design a range of tableware in pewter for the Victoria & Albert Museum and Liberty’s of London. To have the opportunity to design for the V&A is a huge accolade.
I will never forget the experience and am really proud to see what I’ve achieved so far. It’s like a whirlwind at the moment! It is a different role as I’m the designer liaising with the retailer and the manufacturer.
I’ve also just won the gold award for Craft & Design magazine ‘Selected Awards’ for best jewellery which is great as it was voted for online. It just proves my wide appeal which I’m really proud of. Also, I’m being filmed for the BBC Wales Arts Review of the year - that’ll be fun!
Is Christmas as a good time for your business?
I love Christmas... and it is my busiest time. People are looking for that special something and my Christmas star decorations are a best seller... also I like giving out mulled wine in the studio!
Any plans for the New Year?
My pewter products are being launched in the New Year so am anticipating a great response and will hopefully add more designs o the range. I’ve also created a range of vintage inspired wedding jewellery for High Society in Cowbridge, for customers to buy direct online and I’m looking at extending the range as it’s been so popular - it’s prêt a porter bridal jewellery! Visit High Society’s website at www.highsocietybride.co.uk for more information. I’m also working on something special for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
