Huia Gold Feather Brooch

Brooch with 18Ct Gold Plate by Francis Kirkham 

After training as a teacher of Technology, Francis studied for a Diploma in Jewellery making with Ian Lawrence (who at that time was jeweller to Dunhill), at the House of Lawrian in Essex, UK.

He honed his skills as a manufacturing and retail jeweller for fifteen years before emigrating to New Zealand in 2001. There he continues to create one-off and limited editions, commission pieces and a wide range of commercial designs. Having trained at “the bench” he now finds himself drawn to the contemporary side of jewellery design. His current projects include the use of mixed materials and textures. He puts great emphasis on creating unique designs with clean and simple lines using a palette of polished silver, textured silver, oxidised black and gold plate. Exhibitions of Francis’s work have been shown at the national Whiteboard Exhibition (Wellington NZ), Aratoi (Masterton), as part of the Wairarapa Arts Trail. His work can be found on sale in a variety of galleries throughout New Zealand and Rarotonga.