After graduating from Middlesex University in 1976, Susan was employed on the Goldsmiths' Company's Graduate Apprenticeship scheme for a year, working for a large manufacturing jewellery company in London's Hatton Garden. In 1977 she was awarded a New Craftsman grant by the Crafts Council, and set up a workshop in Clerkenwell. Her work has since been exhibited and collected widely, both in Britain and abroad.
In the mid-1980s Susan's interest in the manipulation of metal led her to explore blacksmithing techniques. With help from leading blacksmith Richard Quinnell, and working at his forge in Leatherhead, she created a collection of large-scale sculptures and objects in steel. This work was included in the pioneering show at the Fire and Iron Gallery 'Ironing - The First and Last All Women Blacksmith Show' in 1986 (see article in Crafts Sept/Oct 1986), and later at Sotheby's Sale of 20th Century Ironwork (1991).
Recent exhibitions include: 2008 - 'The Pendant Show' at Velvet da Vinci Gallery, San Francisco USA. 2007 - ‘Collect’ at V&A London, Showcase at Bircham Gallery Norfolk. 2006 - Showcase at Contemporary Applied Arts London, ‘Midsummer Madness’ Electrum Gallery London, ‘Loot' featuring Contemporary British Jewellery at Museum of Arts and Design, New York USA. 2005 - ‘Collect’ at V& A Museum London with Design Nation, ‘Ring Tone’ Scottish Gallery Edinburgh, ‘Sofa’ Chicago. 2004: ‘Jewellery Unlimited’ Bristol City Museum + Art Gallery, ‘200 Rings’ Velvet da Vinci Gallery San Francisco, then touring USA, ‘Modern Designer Jewellery 1960 – 2000’ Fairfax House, York. 2003 - Showcase at Contemporary Applied Arts (CAA) London, ‘The Ring’ at Ruthin Crafts Centre Wales. 2002 - ‘Heavy Metal’ Bluecoat, Liverpool. 2001 - ‘Jewellery by the Top Ten’ at Contemporary Applied Arts London, ‘Rings’ Touring USA with Mobilia Gallery, MA USA. 2000 - ‘Silver 2000’ at the Crafts Council Shop V&A Museum London, ‘Treasures of the 20th Century’ at Goldsmiths’ Hall London.
For full biographical details please contact Susan May.
