THE 'NODDING DONKEY'

The Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council is an organisation that supports and promotes the jewellery, goldsmithing and silversmithing industry. As part of this promotion the Council runs an annual competition, named the Craftsmanship & Design Awards. Within the trade they are more fondly called the 'Jewellery Oscars'.

In 2009, Paul entered his working model of an oil rig. The piece took a whole six months to make, and even Paul admits that it nearly broke him. Each piece, including every tiny nut and bolt, was carefully hand made, and the 500+ piece model was assembled by hand.

Along with his other awards, Paul was also given the Premier Craft Award; The Jacques Cartier Memorial Award. This prestigious prize is only given to a piece which shows "exceptional and outstanding craftsmanship". The Cartier Award is not given every year, as it is only awarded when a piece is worthy of the accolade.

We could not be more proud of Paul (although he does not like us saying it). It is lovely for his peers to acknowledge the talent we see in him every day, by bestowing him with these prestigious awards.