Rachel Reilly
(Nottingham and London Exhibitions)

Somerset's Rachel Reilly is co-founder of Glastonbury gallery Facets of Avalon and a graduate from Sir John Cass College, London. She is descended from generations of Huegenot silk weavers and her hand-crafted collections of knitted lacquer-enamelled copper and sterling silver-wire jewellery has brought the family tradition into modern times, while retaining a classical, elegant and timeless feel. Rachel's exceptional eye for colour, allows her to weave ever-inventive combinations of jewel-toned metallic thread, which glisten and reflect the light as brilliantly as any gemstone. Rachel's accessories (necklaces, bracelets, tiaras and purses) are inspired by and pay homage to nature's flowing forms, capturing the movement of waves, wings, and shells.

Ironically for someone who was raised without televison, Rachels' inspiration for knitting wire evolved from taking apart a broken down television while she was midway through her jewellery and silversmithing course. She was drawn to the vibrant spools of wire inside and immediately set to work transforming them into a thing of beauty using an old childhood knitting machine. This was literally 'outside of the box' thinking which still fuels her natural flow of creativity and has seen her continually perfecting her craft and continuing to be as innovative today, 15 years on. In Rachel's words, ”I'm so blessed. I haven't ever been bored by this medium, and am surprised that the ideas keep coming.“

Rachel has a loyal customer base but has also become increasingly more well-known by word of mouth. Currently showing at Chelsea's Old Town Hall in Kings Road, Rachel has also been invited to display in various prestigious venues including an ex-Sothebys director's new project in Barbados. Rachel's unique hand-crafted creations are exquisite to look at, and truly come alive when worn. When a person tries on the piece that is right for them, both their face and the piece light up. Magic happens.