UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 12 SEPTEMBER
A Birmingham City University (BCU) graduate, whose exquisite enamelling pieces have previously been collected by the V&A museum, will exhibit their work at the prestigious Goldsmiths’ Fair next month.
Yinglong Li, who completed his PhD at BCU earlier this year, will showcase his work during week two of the event, 1-6 October, held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London.
He will be exhibiting at stand 36.
The Goldsmiths’ Fair is an annual event and exhibition showcasing work by a curated selection of the best fine jewellers and contemporary silversmiths in the UK.
Speaking about his exhibition, Yinglong said: “I will be showcasing my I-PAJ collection, designed and crafted using the traditional enamel technique, plique-à-jour.
“As an ancient and rare enamel method, plique-à-jour has faded into obscurity, with fewer people recognising its significance today.
“My work aims to contribute to the sustainable development of this traditional craft, bringing its unique beauty back to the attention of a wider audience.
“The inspiration for the I-PAJ series comes from the Manchurian window elements of my hometown in Guangdong (Cantonese) and Western Impressionist painting.
“I’ve tried to explore new aesthetic potential that arise from the fusion of Eastern and Western cultural elements through the practice of enamelling.
“This series was collected by the V&A museum and Durham University in 2023.”
The emerging and established makers exhibiting at Goldsmiths’ Fair are chosen through a rigorous process that ensures the highest standards of materials and craftsmanship.
On how it feels to have been selected, Yinglong said: “I am incredibly excited. I see this as a rare opportunity to showcase my work and the beauty of this craft to a global audience.”
Whilst Yinglong always aspired to pursue a doctoral degree, he said BCU was 'his ideal choice” and he found the program to be “enriching and valuable”.
"The most important takeaway was learning about different research methodologies, which laid a solid foundation for my future as a researcher.
“I received significant support from the school, both academically and in everyday life.
“My supervisor and other faculty members gave me much encouragement and assistance, helping me to complete my PhD studies smoothly. During this period, I also won several international competition awards with their support.”
Yinglong is now a university lecturer who continues to research and practice in the field of Jewellery.
Find out more about the Goldsmiths’ Fair here