Background to maker
    
 

Tanja Ufer started designing and making jewellery with an apprenticeship at Pforzheim Goldsmithing School, Germany, in 1993. She spent two years there learning from a broad range of courses including: silversmithing; goldsmithing; enamelling; engraving; gemmology (the study of gem stones); technical drawing and the history of art & craft.

The apprenticeship continued with a two year placement working for well-known jewellery designer Peter Haarstick, in Bremen, Germany. Here she gained further experience in working with highly precious materials, one off pieces and commissions.

Her apprenticeship successfully culminated in a Journeyman exam in 1997. The Journeyman piece was awarded a grant from the Bremen County Council, which enabled Tanja to accept an offer for an Master of Arts in Metalwork and Jewellery design at Sheffield Hallam University. The freedom of thinking and exploration, broadened her understanding of jewellery as an ideas medium, integrating a conceptual approach into her work.
Tanja Working
Chelsea Craft Show 2003

On completion of her MA Tanja took a business course and established a studio with the help of a Setting Up grant from the Crafts Council of England, and a Start Up loan from the Prince's Trust.

Since 2000 Tanja Ufer Jewellery has gained a respected place in the contemporary jewellery world, both nationally and internationally. She shows in prestigious galleries such as Electrum (London) and Cebra (Düsseldorf), and has exhibited at the highly regarded Chelsea Craft Show (2007 being her 4th year) . Her recent international shows include the New York Gift Fair, Philadelphia Museum of Art & Craft Fair and the Inhorgenta International Jewellery Fair, Munich. In 2007 she will participate in the new Crafts Council Show 'Origin' at Somerset House, London.

Tanja Working
New York International Gift Fair 2004
[Handmade section / Crafts Council Group]

It would be impossible to sum up Tanja's work in a few words. From delecate and smooth to heavey and rough. One range differs very much from the next. The 'organic' series has been described as mini sculptures by The Crafts Council, and her latest range 'dream structures' derives inspiration from architectural forms and an interpretation of three dimensional drawing in space.

There is an ambiguity of function in all her pieces. They are unique, mysterious, as if with some purpose unknown to the wearer. They catch the eye of those that glimpse them, and like so many forms and curiosities of nature, are a pleasure to see and touch.

However her work can be described, it is quite simply beautiful.

Top of page