TASSELTASTIC
10th Anniversary
A human-sized, wearable tassel has been crafted to celebrate TCDT’s 10th Anniversary. Created by tutor Wendy Cushing, the giant tassel features smaller pieces made during various TCDT workshops.
Smaller tassels and trimmings adorning the piece were made at two Tassel Making – Passementerie workshops, led by Wendy Cushing, who has a wealth of knowledge after 44 years in the trade and continues to design and supply trimmings around the world.
The enamelled silver butterflies were crafted during summer workshops at The Goldsmiths’ Centre. Students were taught techniques such as shaping, bending, hammering, sawing, soldering, texturing and enamelling with materials including silver, copper and brass. The workshop was run by Tomiko Ravn, an award-winning specialist enameller with associated jewellery expertise.
The gilded baubles, embellished with 23 carat gold leaf, were created at the Gilding workshop run by The Royal Collection Trust. The Royal Collection Trust aims to care for, and conserve, the Royal Collection with the goal of promoting access and enjoyment. During their time there, students visited the Furniture, Metals and Ceramics workshops to learn how to lay gold leaf.
The 3D embroidered petals were produced at Lucy Newman’s Hand Embroidery Creative Colour and Thread Painting. Embroidery artist Lucy Newman is known for her abstract thread paintings, and opened her bespoke hand embroidery studio, LJN STUDIO, in 2017.
The eye-catching hand beaded flowers were created at a workshop with Royal Warrant holder Hand & Lock. Students were taught the company’s time-honoured design methods and embroidery techniques, which have remained largely unchanged since 1767.
The leather knots were made as part of TCDT’s schools workshop programme. Over five weeks, award-winning master leatherworker and sculptor Candice Lau taught 10 students at La Sainte Union Catholic School in North London.
The giant tassel has been well received, with World of Interiors covering the story as well as creating a video about the project, filmed at the Livery Halls of The Carpenters’ Company and the Drapers’ Company in The City of London.