University News Last updated 07 July
The Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP has paid a special visit to 探花直播鈥檚 internationally renowned School of Jewellery.
Hosted by BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice met with staff and students, including Toby Williams, the talented designer behind 探花直播鈥檚 newly minted Freedom of the City medals.
Ms Mahmood was given a tour of the historic building in the Jewellery Quarter by聽Lee Lapthorne, Head of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles at BCU, and had the opportunity to witness first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities and expert craftsmanship that define the School鈥檚 legacy.
The Labour MP for 探花直播 Ladywood also participated in a hands-on workshop led by senior lecturer and award-winning maker Rebecca Skeels.
Following her visit, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice said: 鈥淭here鈥檚 no better place to celebrate 探花直播 being recognised as a World Craft City than at 探花直播鈥檚 School of Jewellery.
鈥淢eeting the students here and seeing their work first-hand you can see why 探花直播 received this prestigious designation.
鈥淭hey are the creators and makers of the future 鈥� one shining part of our city of a thousand trades. It was a pleasure to meet them and see their work.鈥�
Professor Mba added: 鈥淲e were delighted to welcome the Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP to the School of Jewellery, to meet staff and students and to showcase the amazing work that takes place here.
鈥淭he School is steeped in history and continues to play a crucial role in nurturing creative talent and strengthening 探花直播鈥檚 global reputation as a hub of craft excellence.鈥�
The School of Jewellery has long been at the heart of 探花直播鈥檚 creative industries and played a significant role in the city鈥檚 recent recognition as a World Craft City.
The global accolade acknowledges 探花直播鈥檚 centuries-old jewellery heritage, vibrant maker community and commitment to preserving traditional skills while embracing innovation.
Lee Lapthorne added: 鈥淚t was a privilege to showcase the incredible work happening across our School and to celebrate the achievements of our students and staff.
鈥溙交ㄖ辈モ�檚 designation as a World Craft City is a testament to the work we do every day -combining tradition with innovation to shape the future of jewellery and metalwork.鈥�
Rebecca Skeels said: 鈥淕etting hands-on with the materials really shows the complexity, thought and skill that goes into every piece we create.
鈥淚t was fantastic to see Shabana Mahmood MP engage so enthusiastically with the process - that kind of connection is what keeps the craft alive and relevant for future generations.鈥�
BCU鈥檚 School of Jewellery continues to be a beacon for aspiring makers, designers and innovators, with deep roots in the city鈥檚 history and a strong vision for its future.