Jo's Story

Jo Hayes Ward grew up in Hackney, East London and now lives and works in Brockley, South East London with her husband - a furniture designer, and their three young boys. 

Jo Hayes Ward. Photo credit: Jane Looker

She tells us her story: 

‘It all started with a fascination with sculpture way back at Camberwell Art college. I’m dyslexic and (frustratingly, for me) not great at drawing, but it turns out that my brain works brilliantly in three dimensions. So naturally I was drawn to experimenting with shapes, structures and 3D patterns.  I went on to study a BA in Metalwork and Silversmithing where I gained metalworking skills and a tacit knowledge of materials. I was particularly drawn to making intricate 3D structures and there was this moment when I realised - making jewellery really was an amazing fit for me. 

I worked for a number of influential jewellery designers where I honed my fine jewellery skills and learned about running a business. By the time I graduated from my MA in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery I had refined my style and was ready to launch my fine jewellery brand, back in 2006.

My signature style hasn't faltered since. I still draw inspiration from architecture, geology and nature. The sculptural influences from my early days are unwavering in the metamorphic, timeless pieces I love to create today.’

Read more about Jo’s design aesthetic in the JHW Design section

 

Education

MA (RCA) Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery at Royal College of Art, London 2006
First class, BA (Hons) SIlversmithing and Metalwork, Camberwell College of Art, London, 2001

Permanent Collections:

2019: The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Modern Jewellery Collection. Chaos Parquet Koin Brooch & Pendant
2012: The Crafts Council UK. 60mm Pattern4 Brooch in Aluminium.
2010: The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Modern Jewellery Collection. Random Master Brooch in Gold and Aluminium.
2007: The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths Modern Jewellery Collection. Three Edge Lace Bangle, 18ct Yellow Gold.
2006: Alice and Louis Koch collection, Switzerland. Stag ring in Stainless steel.

Awards and Commissions:

Shortlisted for the Couture Innovation Award, Couture Las Vegas 2014
Awarded a stand and funding to exhibit at The Rock Vault. London Fashion Weeks 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
Thorneycroft Bell/Andrew Twort Design/ Photography Prize – August 2012
Best New Merchandise Award, Goldsmiths Fair 2009
Best New Merchandise Award, Goldsmiths Fair 2007
Crafts Council Development Award, 2007
Commendation, Craftsmanship and Design Awards 2007
Best of British Awards Trophy Commission 2006
BDC New Designer of the Year Award 2006
Gill Packard Scholarship, 2006
Precious Metal Bursary, Goldsmiths' Company, 2006
Shortlisted for 2nd Cheongju International Craft Bienniale, 2001
Arts and Business Awards Trophy Commission, 2001