So here’s our next installment of #meetthemaker with British designer, Katherine Bree. Her handmade jewellery combines incredible colours to make statement pieces that are completely unique. Her jewellery is such a huge hit with customers (and staff!) and makes the perfect addition to any outfit. Here is our interview with her, which gives a wonderful insight into how she works her magic...
When I left school, unsure of what I wanted to do, I decided to enrol on a Fine Art Foundation course. This lead on to a BSc(Hons) in Textile design, after which I worked as a textile designer, specialising in knitwear. I discovered jewellery design by lucky accident, after a succession of career changes culminated in a job working in the jewellery room in Liberty London in 2000. The jewellery stocked in Liberty at that time was very exciting, featuring a lot of small designer/makers as well as pieces from designers from all over the world. This inspired me to attend a jewellery making evening class. My lucky break was when, after wearing one of my jewellery designs to work, the jewellery buyer admired it and placed an order. Liberty bought my work for eight years. I also went on to sell in Selfridges, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Tate gallery shops.
I was born in London and lived here until the age of 20 when I left to study for my degree at Huddersfield Polytechnic. Subsequently I lived and worked in Scotland and Wales but missed cosmopolitan London life so returned. I love the proximity of the London Museums and galleries from where I draw inspiration.
Each collection starts as a story. This might emerge from a walk in my local woods, or from a film I have seen, or an exhibition. One season I was inspired by the beautiful colourful plumage on birds in stark contrast to their urban environment in the Freightliners city farm in London. The next collection was sparked by a visit to the earth galleries in the Natural History Museum, London, and an amazing find of electroplated crystals reminding me of comets and meteoroids. From these stories I produce a series of mood boards, with an emphasis on colour. The pieces in each collection then emerge, inspired by the story and the gemstones that I have collected.
From left to right: Rock and silver drop earrings - earth, Pebble beaded gemstone bracelet - earth, and Mini silver hoop earrings - amethyst.
I have two sons, 6 and 9, so most of my time is spent getting muddy, answering difficult questions and trying to decide what to have for dinner. I love cooking and my partner and sons are vegetarian so I’m often to be found ploughing through my huge collection of cookbooks in search of inspiration. I am also a member of a local choir, and attempt to go to Yoga classes if I can find time.
It has to be the Amulet earrings. They are so light and easy to wear but are unusual enough to make a statement.
The fact that I work with natural, organically shaped stones is always a challenge when I need to make several pieces of a design. I buy limited batches of stones which may be one-of-a-kind so I need to juggle how many pieces I can make and how to create balanced asymmetric designs. A lot of my time is spent sourcing more stones when I have a surprise best selling piece.
Follow your instincts and make what you love rather than following trends.
I really enjoy looking at Art, but couldn’t name any particular artist over another as so many inspire me in different ways. I actually draw a lot of inspiration from primitive art and contemporary fashion designers. I admire Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood for their creativity and bravery.
From left to right: Work by Alexander McQueen, element beaded gemstone necklace by Katherine Bree, Vivienne Westwood and her work.
Asymmetric, colourful, eclectic.
I will be gathering inspiration for my next collection in 2020. I still don’t know what this will be, so I’ll be scheduling some gallery visits very soon. Watch this space!