Alan Gard, a fine jeweller with a career spanning over seven decades, is set to showcase his latest creation, the ‘Imperial State Crown’, in the historic town of Woodstock.
The crown, commissioned by author Jeffrey Archer and influenced by his work “Traitors Gate”, is a testament to Gard’s extensive experience and dedication to traditional goldsmithing techniques.
This unique piece will be displayed at the Woodstock pop-up shop, offering a rare opportunity for aficionados and industry professionals to appreciate the craftsmanship of a jeweller who has honed his skills since he was 15.
Exhibition Details and Availability
The exhibition will take place from 20th February to 2nd March at The Woodstock Pop-Up Shop, located at 14 Market Place, Woodstock OX20 1TA. The ‘Imperial State Crown’ will be on loan to Lisa Marie, the local goldsmith responsible for organising the exhibition, and it is set to be auctioned subsequently at Christie’s.
Commentary from the Creators
Jeffrey Archer commented on the challenges of reproducing such a significant piece, stating, “I want to produce The Crown, and I want for the layman, like myself, not to be able to tell the difference.”
Alan Gard remarked on the traditional methods employed in the creation of the crown: “We’re doing it by hand because the way I was taught was handmade jewellery, and no computers or cad designs have been used at all. I’ve made it in exactly the same way as the one was made a few hundred years ago.”
Historical Significance and Artistic Integrity
The town of Woodstock boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1279, adding historical significance to the exhibition of the crown. The venue itself is imbued with historical resonance, providing an apt setting for showcasing the crown.
Lisa Marie expressed her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I am thrilled to bring such a unique and historically significant piece to our pop-up shop in Woodstock.”
Collaboration and Heritage
In conjunction with the exhibition, Lisa Marie Designer Goldsmith will renew their partnership with Heritage & Hallmark, known for its dedication to heritage craftsmanship. This partnership highlights the commitment to preserving traditional jewellery-making techniques and artistry.
