Gay Penfold Receives the Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at Goldsmiths' Craft and Design Council 2025 Awards
05 Mar 2025
Gay Penfold, the chair of the British Jewellery and Giftware Benevolent Society and the former manager of the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre at Birmingham City University, has been awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council (GC&DC) 2025 Awards.
Presented to Penfold during the GC&DC award ceremony at the iconic Goldsmiths’ Hall in London on Monday 3 March, the Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Thomas Fattorini Ltd is given in recognition of a recipient’s outstanding contribution and commitment to the craft and industry of Silversmithing, Jewellery and the Allied Crafts.
All candidates for this award were nominated by those in the trade, with the final winner then selected by the Council.
Penfold has been a key figure in the support, development, and growth of countless designer-makers and SMEs, both regionally and nationally. Her work has been instrumental in the success of many projects and initiatives, playing a vital role in breaking down barriers and building bridges between education, innovation, and business.
Her passion for nurturing talent and fostering collaboration has helped shape the careers of many and strengthened the industry as a whole.
Commenting on receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, Penfold said,
“When I was informed that I had been selected for the LAA 2025, I was initially taken aback and was then overwhelmed.
“To receive such an accolade is a massive honour in itself, but to know that your peers nominated you makes it truly special.”
Penfold’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her professional work. In her role as Chair of The Benevolent Society, she leads efforts to provide vital support to those facing financial hardship within the jewellery, giftware, surface engineering, and associated trades.
Under her leadership, the Society has expanded its reach, offering regular grants, emergency funds, and targeted initiatives such as the COVID fund and cost-of-living support. Her dedication to this cause reflects her deep sense of responsibility to the community, ensuring that those in need receive the help they deserve.
John Ball, chair of the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council, said,
“Gay’s ability to connect people, drive meaningful change, and champion the next generation of makers has made a lasting impact. Council wanted to recognise not just her achievements, but the spirit of generosity and leadership that defines her work.”
The annual GC&DC competition rewards excellence in technical skills and creative design in precious metals and related materials.
The Awards are open to all in the jewellery, silversmithing and allied trades, including craft persons and designers in the industry as well as apprentices, students and hobbyists and are completely free to enter.
For 2025, the Awards comprised 33 competition categories in both 2D design and 3D craft and design categories, five other special awards, three bursaries, three Major Awards and three Premier Awards, as well as the prestigious College Trophy, totaling 47 Awards. This years’ competition was generously supported by 66 Sponsors & Patrons.
View GC&DC Awards
Source: GC&DC