Annie Ruthven-Taggart

Annie Ruthven-Taggart trained at Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design and The Sir John Cass Faculty of Art, Design and Manufacture at London Guildhall University, graduating with a BA honours degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing. She established Artgems Jewellery in 1995 (www.artgems.co.uk) and now exhibits regularly in many galleries and exhibitions throughout the U.K. Past fairs and exhibitions include Goldsmiths’ Fair London, Elements Fair, Scotland and Handmade in Chelsea London. She has been teaching jewellery making and design for the past 20 years and runs the Jewellery department at the Hampstead School of Art, London.

Describe your approach to teaching
I am experienced in teaching all ages and abilities where classes are engaging, relaxed and friendly. Students can stretch themselves learning new skills or refresh and advance their existing talents.

What inspires your own work?
My designs are influenced by structures and shapes found in marine life and geological forms. Consequently, my work has an emphasis on three-dimensionality, exploring convex and concave sculptural structures and hollow forms and using patterns and textures found on pebbles, rocks and shells. I work in silver, gold and platinum incorporating a range of gemstones.