Interview with David Hitchcock of Photofinish Jewellery, winner of JewelFund 2019
David Hitchcock of Photofinish Jewellery was one of the winners of JewelFund in 2019. His innovative and beautiful jewellery marries his love of photography with jewellery making. We caught up with him to find out more about his jewellery business, how he’s been doing since winning JewelFund and what he included in his application to ensure he won
David Hitchcock of Photofinish Jewellery
David, how did you learn to make jewellery?
Making things has always been part of the jobs I have done but it wasn’t until I joined a taster course with Aileen Hamilton at her Creative Jewellery Workshop in Redhill that I had made my first piece of jewellery. I soon signed up for more lessons and Aileen enabled me to gain the skills to start making jewellery and an appreciation of the wide variety of techniques that can be employed on precious metals.
Photography has always been a passion of mine and I wanted to find a way to combine this with jewellery making. After about 18 months of research I developed a way to transpose my images onto recycled aluminium. Photofinish Jewellery was born!
How did you make the decision to turn that into a business?
During a career break while I helped look after mum with terminal cancer, I felt I would want a career change once I would have more time again. It was very pleasing to show my mum some of the very early leaf necklaces included my Ditton Maple leaf just before I started Photofinish Jewellery as a business.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Besides winning the JewelFund in 2019 I have been lucky to have had a few highlights. After a difficult 2020 I was delighted to be invited to exhibit 30 pieces of work as part of the MADE exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park the home of many sculptures by Damien Hirst and Henry Moore to name just some of the amazing works on show. A place I have always admired!
Ditton Maple leaf, copyright Photofinish Jewellery 2021
Periwinkle bracelet, copyright Photofinish Jewellery 2021
Which are your favourite pieces from your current collection?
My Ditton Maple leaf (pictured above left) will always be one of my favourites but I’m loving the reaction my adjustable bracelets have been getting. A good example is my Periwinkle flower bracelet (pictured above right).
Where does your inspiration come from?
With a 25 year career in conservation helping scientists conserve species from whales to wasps it has to be from nature. I love going for a long country walk to find that perfect leaf but then sometimes you’ll find the right leaf just fluttering down onto a pavement in town. The beauty is all around.
Pink cherry leaf necklace, copyright Photofinish Jewellery 2021
Asymmetric pink cherry leaf necklace, copyright Photofinish Jewellery 2021
What was it like to win JewelFund?
It was amazing, I had just left Olympia exhibition hall visiting the trade show Top Drawer for research and while standing on the train platform I received a message from Jess to say I had won the JewelFund! My head was spinning with ideas from the trade show and now with the help from Jess and the JewelFund prize I was going to get a chance to put some of those plans into practice!
What did you put in your application?
A quick history of how Photofinish Jewellery had developed and at what stage the business was at and where I hoped to take the business in future. I also included a detailed list of what I would like to spend the JewelFund prize on with links to some of the suppliers and products.
What were you asking for funding for?
To help fund my attendance at my first trade show the British Craft Trade Fair along with the items to display my work on the stand. With Jess’s help I was able to rebrand too!
What things do you hope to achieve/what are your jewellery dreams for the future?
It would be lovely to continue to grow our list of galleries, shops and visitor attractions as stockists. Maybe one of the large retailers too! This would in turn enable me to experiment further with the techniques I have developed.
How can people see your work?
Until the end of September 2021 we are being exhibited at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, we have a growing list of stockists which can be found on my website and I will also be showcasing my jewellery at a variety of local shows. Details of these shows can be found on my Instagram feed.
Jessica’s reflection on Photofinish Jewellery
David’s innovative jewellery stood out for me when we were shortlisting for JewelFund. He had a unique product line using a technique that he had developed himself and I could see how he could utilise the £1000 grant to fast track his success. While 2020 impacted the growth of the business, his inclusion in the MADE exhibition at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park demonstrates that he is making a name for his business. Well done David! I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Check out more of David’s work and follow him on social media to see his progress!
https://www.photofinish-jewellery.com/
Facebook page
https://en-gb.facebook.com/PhotofinishJewellery/
Instagram feed
https://www.instagram.com/photofinish.jewellery/
All images/jewellery copyright Photofinish Jewellery 2021
Applications for JewelFund 2021 have now closed.
The deadline was Friday 30th July 2021
JewelFund was set up in 2018 specifically for jewellers wanting to launch or grow their jewellery business. You can apply for one of three £1000 grants to spend on a specific area of your business… and the greatest thing about grants… you don’t have to give them back (It is not a loan it is yours to keep). This is a great opportunity to get some additional funds to move your business forward to the next level.
Find out more and apply on the button below.