Childrens cutlery through to final

Fleurs entry into the Pewter Product of the Year 2007 has been put forward into the final. Run by the Worshipful Company of Pewterers the winner will be announced on June 7th at the Pewter Live event.

Fleur designs unique chain of office

Rustington Parish Council has had its new chain of office made by the acclaimed designer Fleur Grenier.

Fleur, who has a workshop near Angmering said she was more than happy to undertake the work.

The artist who works both in silver and pewter, said: "I was thrilled when Councillor Graham Tyler approached me in Autumn last year and asked me to design a new chain of office for the Rustington Parish Council.

"It was very encouraging to know that the council had the forethought to not only to approach a local craftsperson, but also to ask for a design in my own style rather than a traditional design normally associated with this type of chain.

"The council specified that they would like the new chain to be made in silver.

"I am very proud of the final design and it is great to know that this piece of work will become part of Rustington's history."

Rustington Parish Council chairman, Graham Tyler, said he was delighted with the new chain which was commissioned to replace the previous worn and damaged model.

He said: "The council is delighted to have been able to commission Fleur Grenier, a local craftsperson for its new Chain of Office.

"The fact that Fleur is making a name for herself as an excellent and most competent designer/metalsmith nationally, means that the Chain of Office will not only become a most renowned piece of Civic Regalia in the future, as Fleurs reputation evolves."

Pewter Live competition

The Worshipful Company of Pewterers annually host 'Pewter Live' at Pewterers Hall, London. The aim being to revive interest in the use of pewter in domestic and interior products.

The event ran over several days. As well as the Halls own pewter collection being displayed there were pewtersmiths demonstrating, casting, spinning and soldering techniques.

Also on display were student entries for the Pewter Live competition. In 2005 the company set up a competition for established designers, due to the success of this, the competition was set again in 2006 for 'Pewter Product of the Year Award,' With a 1st prize of £4000 2nd prize £2000 and 3rd prize of £1000.

Fleur entered the competition with images of her work and was invited to submit her actual products to be judged at Pewter Live.

The panel consisted of Sebastian Conran, Director of Conran & Partners, Julia Clarke, Hester Clarke Jewellers, Chris Hudson, Pewterer, Chimo Holdings, Sue Bonham, Fashion Designer, Rhoda Parry, Editor, Country Homes and Interiors, Laila Zollinger, Director Wildshaw Ltd.

On the 7th June Jasper Conran was invited to the Hall to present prizes to the winners. Having made it into the final of the Pewter Live competition with her design for a slate and pewter wine stand and candlesticks and set of serviette rings Fleur was thrilled when the results where announced at The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, no first prize was awarded but there was a joint 2nd of £2000 each.

Leonardo da Vinci grant

In February this year Fleur received a grant from the Leonardo da Vinci Program, funded by the European Union. This project was set up to enable established artists to work with other craftspeople in France.

The grant enables artists to gain new experiences which they can pass onto other artists, students and people in their community.

As Fleur has an interest in tableware she went to work with the company Laguiole en Aubrac, in Espalion in SW France. This company produces traditional and modern knives and tableware that are sold worldwide.

Fleur found the trip inspiring, not only gaining new techniques, but the experience of working in a different cultural environment. Since the trip she has come back excited about how she can incorporate what she has learned into her work.

Craftsman Magazine articles

Articles and pictures of Fleurs work have appeared in the following issues of Craftsman Magazine:

Issue 142 - May 2003

Issue 183 - October 2006

Issue 184 - November 2006

International Design Network Foundation Competition

In 2000, Fleurs talent and work were recognised when she was voted runner-up in the International Design Network Foundation Competition in New York, sponsored by GIFU, a Japanese cutlery manufacturer who are now preparing her work for the wider marketplace.

Click here for pictures of the award ceremony

Click here for information about the GIFU World Design Awards

Exhibitions 2008

12^th Jan - 9^th March
Shire Hall Gallery, 'Craft for Men 2'
Market Square, Stafford, ST 2LD

1^st March - 31^st April
Havant Arts Centre
56 East St, Havant, Hampshire, PO19 1BS

19^th - 20^th April
The Sussex Guild, Farnham Maltings
Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7QR

5^th - 6^th April
Open Workshop
Mettle Studios, Angmering, BN16 4BD

Open house every weekend during May
Brighton Festival - Rottingdean Art Trail
18a West Street, Brighton, BN1 8ND

23^rd - 26^th May
Barn Acre Gallery & Studio
Loddon Drive, Wargrave, Berkshire, RG10 8HN

10^th - 12^th June
Pewter Live - Worshipful Company of Pewterers
The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, Pewters Hall, Oat Lane, London EC2V 7DE

28^th - 29^th June
The Sussex Guild, Arundel Castle
Arundel, West Sussex

16^th - 20^th July
Art In Action
Waterperry House, Waterperry, Nr. Wheatley, Oxon, OX33 1JZ
(Demonstrating in the Jewellery & Metalworking Marquee)

8^th - 10^th August
Crafts in Action The Sussex Guild
Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Near Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3OS

16^th - 17^th August
Open Workshop
Mettle Studios, Angmering, BN16 4BD

17^th - 18^th November
Ditchling Craft Fair - The Sussex Guild
East Sussex

24^th - 31^st August
Arundel Gallery Trail
West House, 49a Maltravers Street, Arundel

11^th - 12^st October
Farnham Maltings
Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR

15^th - 16^th November
South Hill Park
South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell, RG12 7PA

Midhurst Craft Fair - The Sussex Guild
Midhurst Grammer School, North St Midhurst, West Sussex, GU29 9DT

13^th - 14^th December
Open Workshop
Mettle Studios, Roundstone Bypass, Angmering, West Sussex, BN16 4BD

Work also available at:

The Surrey Guild Craft Gallery
1 Mousehill Lane, Milford , Surrey , GU8 5BH

The Sussex Guild Shop
Southover Grange, Lewes, E. Sussex , BN7 1UF

Mikell Gallery
43 Lion St , Hereford , HR3 5AA

The Bessemer Contemporary Fine Craft
Sheffield Winter Gardens, Surrey Street, Sheffield