Not Too Precious At National Craft Gallery

Not Too Precious, which is currently showing at the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, explores inspirational work by 28 international jewellers using materials known for their expressive potential, rather than their material value. Co-curated by Dr. Elizabeth Goring, formerly of National Museums Scotland, and independent curator, Gregory Parsons, it celebrates current work by artist-jewellers using non-precious materials.

Radical artist-jewellers of the late 1960s and 70s vigorously rejected the idea that jewellery should be considered ‘precious’, simply because of the materials of which it was made. Today, the use of a huge variety of materials in jewellery is far more accepted, but economic pressures are putting that freedom of artistic expression at potential risk as people revert to traditionally ‘valuable’ materials for ‘safety’. Not Too Precious challenges preconceptions about ‘non-precious’ materials by encouraging us to consider ‘accrued value’: what talented makers bring to their work through their ideas and skill.

Not Too Precious was first shown at Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales in July 2015. The selected artists, who work in the UK, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, create innovative, skilfully-made jewellery that is insightful and culturally resonant. As a special focus for the National Craft Gallery, Ireland, the curators have also selected three of the most exciting graduating Irish jewellers: Emma Cahill, Jaki Coffey and Genevieve Howard, to show alongside the core exhibition.

The two curators’ selection of work challenges our assumptions and understanding of what ‘non-precious’ may mean today, making this a timely and inspirational exhibition; a must-see for all those with an interest in contemporary jewellery.

Not Too Precious – an international exhibition of contemporary jewellery in non-precious materials runs at the National Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny until Wednesday, 30th March. Admission is free. Tel: 056 7796 147