The Process
The Jewellery Lark explores the possibilities of found objects and materials - quality objects infused with their own history reimagined as art pieces with a new story​
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Each of these clocks, despite their initial state of disrepair, has been a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship and historical significance of their time. The delicate and intricate Guilloché patterns, whether it be Barley Corn, Vertical Barley Corn, Drapes and Diamond, or Wave, speak volumes about the skill and precision of the silversmiths who created them. The use of the Straight-line Engine lathe and, in some instances, the Rose Engine lathe, highlights the technological advancements and artisanal prowess that were prevalent in Birmingham and other parts of the UK during the early 20th century
The stories behind these clocks are as captivating as the patterns that adorn them. From the silent hallways of Legge Lane to the bustling workshops of Birmingham's Vyse Street, each piece carries with it a fragment of history, a glimpse into a world where craftsmanship and attention to detail were paramount
The beauty of twentieth-century desk and mantel clocks is transformed into one-off jewellery pieces, giving them renewed life into the twenty-first century. They represent the history of the materials and the processes that made them. Their story is enhanced as they are reshaped into elegant contemporary pieces
The vintage clocks that inspire the Jewellery Lark have cases made from hallmarked silver. Each silver piece of jewellry story is traced back to its original maker through the hallmarks where possible. The tradition of the guilloche patterning on the silver cases originated in the eighteenth century. Guilloche uses a process of machine engraving made with a rose engine or straight-line engine lathe to create repetitive patterns of intersecting and overlapping spirals and lines​
The possibilities of the materials are developed through processes of cutting, shaping, combining and collaging. The silver pieces embody a sense of mystery and illusion by altering the orientation of repetitive cuts of guilloche patterns. The tJL hallmark is a mark of the quality and sophistication of the design seen on each piece some have old makings which the assay office remove