Jewellery designer Hannah Louise Lamb shares the creative process behind her bespoke jewellery and the influences behind her designs. Growing up in Cornwall, much of Hannah's designs are inspired by the Cornish coastline. Hannah's designs are imbued wit…
Jewellery designer Hannah Louise Lamb shares the creative process behind her bespoke jewellery and the influences behind her designs. Growing up in Cornwall, much of Hannah's designs are inspired by the Cornish coastline. Hannah's designs are imbued with a strong sense of place and connection with her customers' special places and memories.
My inspiration stems from the intricate beauty of nature, particularly the coastal landscapes that have been integral to my upbringing. Growing up in Cornwall and later studying at Glasgow School of Art, I was fascinated by the contrast between the grid-like city map of Glasgow and the undulating wiggly coastline of Cornwall. This juxtaposition originally inspired me to create grid-like silver frameworks containing organic shapes and lines from the coast, like the sand patterns, ripples, and seaweed.
Why is the South West Coast Path important to you?
I'm from St Austell on the South Coast of Cornwall, so growing up I loved walking and picnicking with family friends along different coastal paths nearby, particularly Black Head, Polruan, Readymoney, Mevagissey and Polkerris. I spent my summers on Porthluney Cove Beach, part of Caerhays Castle enjoying long lazy days in the Cornish sunshine, and took walks up the coastal path for a break from building sandcastles (and my Dad's favourite - sand boats!).
What is the biggest influence on your designs?
The biggest influence on my designs is undoubtedly the Cornish coast. When I was making jewellery just for me, or for my degree and exhibitions, it was all based on my experience of growing up by the coast. From the rugged cliffs to the tranquil beaches, I translated those inspirations into silver, cutting intricate maps and coastlines from silver then using elements of patinated metals to evoke the colours of the coast. There was a real sense of place to my collections and as my work evolved, I found that, like me, everyone has a special coastal memory. Now, each design I make is a reflection of the stories and memories shared by my clients, celebrating the connections they have to the coast.
How has the coast inspired your creativity?
The coast has been a constant source of inspiration, whether it's my own memories or my customers'. When I started my business it became clear that everyone has a particular stretch of coastline that means something to them, so my jewellery very quickly became personalised to each customer's own special place. A huge part of the bespoke requests I receive are based on the South West Coastline, sometimes the whole of it, sometimes just a particular section that holds personal meaning; where they got married, where they got engaged, their late family's favourite place, where a loved one's ashes are scattered, their favourite holiday, or any milestones big and small, there's always a reason. The coast means so much to so many.
How did you select your collections?
My collections have evolved organically over time, with 99% of my work being bespoke and personalised to a piece of coastline, mountain range or skyline that person holds dear. My most popular collection is my two-part coastline rings, each carefully hand cut so one half reflects the land and the other reflects the sea. Each ring is crafted with precious metals with optional diamonds to mark special spots along the shore. My latest collection is inspired by beach pebble's marks and lines reflecting an entire alphabet. I've recreated each pebble into silver letter pendants and cufflinks and they have quickly become a customer favourite.
Why is bespoke jewellery important to you and your work?
Bespoke jewellery allows me to forge a deeper connection with my clients, translating their stories and memories into tangible works of art. It's about more than just creating a piece of jewellery; it's about capturing the essence of a moment and preserving it for generations to come. Through these bespoke creations, I have the opportunity to celebrate life's milestones and craft pieces that hold profound meaning for each individual.
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Jewellery designer Hannah specialises in creating bespoke pieces that reflect life's personal stories. Inspired by the rugged beauty of nature and the idea that jewellery can encapsulate the cherished moments of our lives, Hannah's pieces reflect coastlines and landscapes of special significance to each of us. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art and The Royal College of Art, Hannah currently sells her work through galleries and shops across the UK and the USA, designing heirloom-worthy jewellery to be passed on for generations to come.
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