Bronwyn’s main love is the hand fabrication of precious metals and setting of precious stones into something a person can take joy in wearing. She enjoys the challenge of wire bending, forming and wax carving as well as Repousse and Chasing of metals into shape and textures.
The colour of the stones, the shine of the pearls, the allure of the precious metals is what is all about. She just loves the BLING of jewellery and the making of a piece of jewellery that is a joy to wear or behold.
She started her jewellery career at RMIT in 1976 when she completed her Gold & Silver-smithing qualifications. She then went onto completing her Diploma of Secondary Teaching in 1977, starting her career in Art Teaching at Syndal Technical School and later as a Material Technology Teacher at Glen Waverley Secondary College.
Since 1976 Bronwyn has exhibited nationally and internationally as well as many solo and group exhibitions in Melbourne. She was partner in WORKS II a small jewellery workshop and Gallery in The Basin, Victoria, with Robyn Holtham, also a student at RMIT, for 5 years from 1977 until they felt the call of motherhood!
After 25 years of Secondary Teaching and bringing up 3 wonderful children she retired from teaching and opened The Goldsmith’s Gallery in San Remo. She registered her Makers Mark and joined The Gold & Silversmith’s Guild of Australia in 2005 and is Fellow #100 and Past President, but still on the National Council.
Gold and Silver-smithing is in her blood, as she is a direct descendant of Thomas and his son William Coffin, who were Exeter Guild Hall Silversmiths in England from 1760. Their work and Makers Marks are still on show at the Exeter Museum, England.
Her work is represented in the National Gallery of Australia. She is now retired and currently works from her home based studio in San Remo, and sells her work privately as well as at ArtSpace Gallery in Wonthaggi.
Click here to download Bronwyn’s CV
