Meet The Maker – Bek Genery

Bek Genery – Jeweller

Bek has been lucky enough to bump into people along the way who have taught her the basics of playing with metal including a jeweller, a Norfolk tractor driver with a welding shed, a third generation engineer and a blacksmith from Yorkshire! She has a real belief in learning direct from crafts people. The rest is experimentation and the library.

Affirmation tag bracelets

Bek has always been interested in processes that start with a pile of raw materials and end up with an object. She has experimented with a range of techniques such as tempera painting, spinning and knitting, felt making and eventually settled on precious metals and stones.  This allowed her to bring together a love of treasure, decoration, self-expression, craftsmanship and an excuse to indulge her desire to just get up and go places. Her work has a rough luxe spirit.

Affirmation tag earrings

Bek is interested in where the materials lead you in themselves, how far you can stretch them. Cold forming and reticulation appeal to her particularly. The geology and structural properties of stones and small found objects that can be incorporated into the metal shape her work.

Affirmation tag ring

Affirmation tag necklace

When we travel both geographically and chronologically we often take a keep-sake with us, something that anchors us in some way to the place or people that we come from or to ourselves; they act as navigation aids as we negotiate our way about. Bek is interested in these objects (contemporary and historical), actual compasses and astrolabes as well as lucky coins, photos, bits of baby blanket and locks of hair.

Affirmation tag selection

Bek has created a range of affirmation pieces for us and if her words don’t call out to you then why not chose some of your own and ask us to make you a piece. Bek is happy to work on commissions to help you personalise a piece for you or for a loved one.

Affirmation tag selection

Meet The Maker – Tanya Igic

Tanya Igic - jeweller

Tanya is a contemporary jeweller based in Swansea, South Wales.  Having moved from Serbia after completing a degree in Business studies, Tanya had the opportunity to develop what was a part-time business into a full-time career in jewellery, with emphasis on innovative and creative design.

Tanya Igic - leather tiara

Working with finest quality delicate leather in many beautiful shades, and influenced by floral, natural and abstract motifs, Tanya produces a wide range of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, corsages, chokers as well as bridal accessories. Her technique is unusual and innovative and involves a complex process.

Tanya Igic - leather jewellery

Tanya Igic - leather tiara

After selecting the best leather skin and colour, Tanya cuts and bonds together up to eleven layers into the required shape.

 

Tanya Igic - leather head piece

Tanya Igic - leather head piece

When dry, the layered shape is cut into thin slices. The softness of the leather allows Tanya to stretch the slices into shapes which are then glued together. Silver wires and beads are then added as embellishments.

Tanya Igic - leather jewellery

Each piece is extremely labour intensive. This exiting and innovative work is produced in bright, natural and pastel colours.

Tanya Igic - leather jewellery

Tanya has exhibited her amazing work in many galleries in Wales, England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Holland and recently USA and Austria so Heart Gallery is really proud to be added to Tanya’s list of carefully selected stockists. 

Tanya Igic - leather wedding tiara

 

Meet The Maker – Cathy Edwards

Cathy Edwards - leatherworker

Catherine Edwards uses bold, architectural forms that allow leather to be shown at its natural best. They are practical and durable pieces that will gain character as they age.

Catherine Edwards - leather bag group

The four collections, satchels, men’s, contemporary and tableware are made using the finest British and Italian leather hides. Each item is hand cut from individual selected panels; hand stitched and finished using a sound combination of traditional techniques.

Catherine Edwards - selection of coin purses

A residency as shoe maker at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, led to a collaboration with a saddler, from which came the inspiration for her current collections.

Catherine Edwards - Axel Giant

Catherine Edwards - leather wallet

Heart Gallery currently stocks Catherine’s leather wallets, purses and a small collection of bags but commissions and one off pieces are welcome, as are interior design and furnishing projects.

Fathers Day

Meet my Dad!

Dad and I sitting in Heart Gallery

I love my Dad, I haven’t always but I do now! Family relationships can have their moments; I think it is normal for family members not to get along with each other sometimes! The dynamic between us has been complex over the years as I’ve swung from admiring him to hating him and back again! His attempts at exercising authority when I was younger only led to rebellion and his lack of affection made me feel undervalued and unloved. There has been compromise, commitment and consideration on both parts to various degrees for many, many years but my relationship now is the best it has ever been.

Me and my Dad!

Those that know me understand the reasons for the rollercoaster of a ride that has been difficult for both Dad and myself and that the huge turning point was 6 years ago after my sister took her own life. This caused a shift in both of us but more so in Dad and for the first time since being a wee girl, on the day of Rachel’s funeral, I felt truly loved by him again.

I realise now, at the age I am, that Dad has taught me so much more than I had realised and I am grateful for all those lessons (even though I certainly didn’t think that at the time!). Happy Fathers Day for me is every day of the year as I cherish those moments with him so much and I wish each and every one of you treasured times with your Dad.

Leather Wallets at Heart Gallery handmade by Gregg McDonald

I can’t buy Dad a leather wallet this year as that was last year’s pressie but Heart Gallery has just had another delivery from Gregg so there are lots of lovely ones to choose from – are you traditional and just want a black one or will you be a devil and choose red, teal, tan or even baby pink leather?

Clare Webster Silk stitched tie

I can’t buy him a tie either as I have already bought him 3 silk ties in different colours from Clare Webster and he doesn’t wear his suit as often these days! Clare has a variety of plain and stitched silk ties in Heart Gallery though and we also have some fabulous printed silk ‘one-offs’ from Taisir Gibreel which are stunning.

Taisir Gibreel printed silk tie and matching hankie

How about something for Dad to drink his coffee or tea in? Heart Gallery has a lovely collection of mugs from various UK makers and some design led Pantone mugs and Rob Ryan ones too!

Blooming Mug by Jo Clark

Circling Swift mug by Matthew Tyas

Believe in People Rob Ryan Mug

I would have considered a printed apron and matching oven glove but I am certain that Sandra would not be a happy bunny – she is the chief cook in the house after all!

Fabulous detail on Rachael Taylor printed pinnys

Sea Green Rachael Taylor printed oven mitt

However, then I remembered that if Sandra is the chief cook then Dad is the chief washer upperer ….. and there you have it, the perfect present for Dad this year from talented local graphic designer Andy Pointon, and it’s exclusive to Heart Gallery!

Hebden Bridge tea towel designed by Andy Pointon and exclusive to Heart Gallery

Meet The Maker – Gregg McDonald

Gregg McDonald - Leather Worker

Well, it has been a while since I posted a Meet The Maker … infact, it’s been a while since I posted a blog to be honest! Excuse? Not enough hours in the day I guess and Heart Gallery had such a busy Christmas it took a while to get back into the swing of things so many apologies folks. Here is the first one of 2011 then ……

For those of you who know Heart Gallery well you will know that until September last year Gregg was a resident maker in Heart Gallery. His little workshop was at the back of the gallery where you could see him designing, hand cutting and machine stitching beautifully soft British leather turning it into stunning wallets, purses, handbags, belts and phone covers.

Gregg's space in Heart Gallery 2008 - 2010

Unfortunately, last year Gregg decided to move to Leeds and realised that travelling to Hebden Bridge would not only be costly but time consuming as well so he had to make the difficult decision to move out of his space. Gregg simply moved his workshop back to his home however and is continuing to produce work for Heart Gallery, his website and carefully selected outlets.

A Gregg McDonald leather and fabric wallet

A Gregg McDonald leather and fabric wallet

Gregg is a graduate of the prestigious Cordwainers College in London and has worked as a footwear designer. He really enjoys the whole design process, watching an initial design turn into a finished product so also works closely with customers on bespoke commissions.

A Gregg McDonald leather and fabric purse

A Gregg McDonald leather satchel style bag

Heart Gallery still stocks some of Gregg’s ‘off the shelf’ products so call in and see the quality of his workmanship. We are stocking a selection of wallets and phone covers but if you want to discuss a commission with him then contact him via his website Gregg McDonald

December at Heart

 

Christmas hours at Heart Gallery 2008

 

 

 

Hi folks

December gives you more days to shop at Heart Gallery as we open our doors every day until 5pm Christmas Eve – great news. You will be able to browse at leisure to find that perfect gift and all under the one roof. Choose from leather wallets, purses, bags and ipod covers from talented maker Gregg McDonald or hats, fascinators and sexy beaded corsets for the party season from the mad and beautiful Heather Wilson. New and unique jewellery now in can tempt the magpie in you or you can fall in love with our retro phones and contemporary homeware and of course Christmas would not be complete without the perfect candle to burn, hand-poured for us in Lancashire. Heart Gallery would not be the same without it’s quirky and unusual ‘one-off’ pieces either from furniture for your home to mixed media pieces and ‘creatures’ made from socks! There is something for everyone’s tastes and everyone’s budgets so we hope to see you soon. Keep the enclosed details for all our new opening times and you won’t be disappointed. See you soon, Alison

All That Glitters Launch

 

 

serving mulled wine at the Christmas Launch

 

 

Enjoying the mulled wine at the Christmas Launch

 

 

Browsing work at the Christmas Launch

Thanks to all of you that came to support the launch of All That Glitters; it was a wonderful day. Those who didn’t manage it then don’t worry, call down anytime to see the fabulous new work from over 75 different UK based designer-makers and fill out your Heart’s Desire list for your loved ones to choose from. Open 7 days a week in December until Xmas Eve and late nights until 7pm every Thursday throughout December too – see you soon. xXx

All That Glitters Invitation

 

 

 

All That Glitters - Invitation to Christmas at Heart

 

 

All That Glitters - Invitation to Christmas at Heart

 

Heart Gallery is looking amazing at the moment and with new work from over 75 different UK based designer/makers to buy there is something for everyone’s tastes and budgets.

 

Call down on Saturday after 10am for mulled wine, homemade spice biscuits and the chance to leave your Heart’s Desire List with us for your loved ones to choose from.

See you Saturday,warm wishes

Alison

Christmas at Heart

 

 

Christmas at Heart - launch 15 November

 

 

 

Christmas at Heart - The destination for pressies and treats

First delivery of watches sells out in 2 weeks!

 

Hi folks

For those who haven’t been in to see the Black and White Exhibition … shame on you  … hot foot it down soon as it finishes at the end of the month!

Also, I must let you into a secret … I have tracked down some amazing watches designed in Denmark with Japanese workings and they have been well received by all. I am really pleased about this as not being a watch wearer I wasn’t sure which styles would sell and just did my usual selection process which seems to have worked – they sold out within 2 weeks!

The next delivery is due in to Heart Gallery Wednesday so here is a taster for those who haven’t yet been down to check them out … enjoy their stylish, sleek and innovative designs:

 

 

Martin Larsen £120

 

Anna Gotha

 

Danish Design - digital with red strap

 

Danish Design - cream face brown strap £102

 

Danish Design - white face tan strap £102