Spottens
Silversmithing & Goldsmithing
My career as a jewellery maker started with an apprenticeship with a Hatton garden trained jeweller who relocated in Coleraine, I was then 17. After many years of working for a jewellery shop, making and repairing jewellery, I set up my own business in 1999. Since then, I graduated with the University of Ulster, my work has been purchased by the Arts Council NI for their collection and have made and designed special commission including a brooch for HRM Elizabeth II. My collections are based on what I love: nature, space and water. My main work comes from special commissions for engagement and wedding rings, and other gifts for special occasions, pieces of jewellery which are a memento for precious times: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings etc. I love my work and i enjoy working with you in the development of a design which reflects your tastes, lifestyle and experiences. Individually designed jewellery made especially for you, to enjoy wearing, keep and pass on to the next generations.
Gallery
Bio
I was born and grew up in Derry during the troubles.
This I think has been the basis for the development of my creativity which I first expressed by painting wildlife from the age of 15 and later by creating and making jewellery from the age of 17.
To me creating is an escape to another world and peace. I love nature, the environment, and space.
During my degree, I developed the theme of “water” with particular emphasis on water scarcity.
Since then, I have developed different collections based on nature (wild life), the earth, space and water and most of my new collection is made from upcycled metal.
I use glass enamels to enhance the beauty of the metal and bring colour to the piece of jewellery. Recently, I completed a handmade necklace based on a peacock using a cut silver sheet, upcycled gold and glass enamels, thus returning to my love of wildlife and birds.
I work in all precious metals and work on commissions to celebrate different occasions, the design for a commissioned piece of jewellery is based on the customer who will wear the piece, it is based on their life experiences, taste, work and interests.
CV – Robert Spotten
DOB: 17-02-1960
1977: A’Level Art
1977: Jewellery apprenticeship in Coleraine
1999: Self employed as jewellery designer and maker
2006: Graduation jewellery made and designed for Stirling University, Glasgow university and Coleraine Grammar School.
2011-12: Certificate in fine and Applied Arts (NWFHE)
2014: BA in Contemporary Crafts (jewellery)
2014: Work purchased by Arts Council NI for their art collection
2016: Commission for HRM Queen Elizabeth II by Causeway Coast and Glen Council
2018: Close to Home exhibition at Roe Valley Arts Centre
2019: Extinction, joint exhibition with Ann-Marie Robinson and Robert Spotten at the Puffin Gallery, Ballycastle
1999-2021: Various commissions for schools, golf clubs, local councils and private customers.
Address
Spottens, Jewellery Designs
at The Puffin Gallery
44 Ann Street
Ballycastle
BT54 6AD
Opening Hours
Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 6pm – I am based at the Puffin Gallery in Ballycastle
You can arrange to see me twice a month at Number 19 Craft and Design, please contact me to find out dates.
I can be contacted 10am to 6pm by text at this number: 07594 192372
Where to Buy My Work
The Puffin Gallery, 44 Ann Street, Ballycastle BT54 6AD
Number 19 Craft and Design, Shipquay Street, Derry
- Commissions / Workshops / Private bookings