Limited edition craft range celebrates Black County heritage

Pin brooch by Andy Paxon

To celebrate the rich craft heritage of the Black Country, a range of limited edition commissions have been produced by three of the UK’s leading designer-makers. Taking inspiration from the Black Country’s museums and art galleries, the designers have worked with local companies to develop five bespoke pieces for Buy Black Country.

Made famous by Queen Victoria, who asked for the blinds on her carriage to be shut on her way through the area, the Black Country is synonymous with Britain’s industrial age. Still a haven of master craftsmen and women today, a selection of the area’s galleries and museums have teamed up to commission three unique pieces, which are now on sale.

Candlesticks by Sarah Thirlwell

The first release from the range is by Sarah Thirlwell, who has created two elegant timber candlesticks. Incorporating leather layers reclaimed from Walsall’s saddleries and workshops, the candlesticks use traditional craft to create a contemporary design. The candlesticks come in two sizes on a limited edition run of 50; small are priced at £45 and large at £50.

Copper and enamel brooches by Rebecca Gouldson

Designer Rebecca Gouldson is usually known for creating richly decorated wall pieces but for Buy Black Country she has produced two enamel and copper brooches. Working with the Black Country enamel workshop and inspired by the Bilston Craft Gallery’s collection, she uses an OS Map of the area as a design reference. The brooches are available in limited edition runs of 45 and cost £42 for the small brooch and £50 for the large.

The final piece in the collection is by internationally recognised designer Adam Paxon, who has created a striking pin brooch. Made from layers of acrylic, the pin teases out the hidden qualities in the material and emphasises acrylic’s ability to act as a receptacle for light. Shaped and polished to look like glass, the pin is attached using an innovative spiral. Priced at £80, there are only 50 of these exclusive pieces available.

Buy Black Country is a partnership project that aims to promote the significant industrial heritage of the area. The five limited edition commissions are available to buy now from Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Bilston Craft Gallery, Walsall Leather Museum, the Black Country Living Museum, Broadfield Glass Museum, The Red House Glass Cone and online at www.wolverhamptonart.culturelabel.com. These initial pieces will be followed by two further commissions in spring 2011.