Meet our tutors - Jennifer Burgess

Jennifer had always been passionate about creating and experimenting with different materials. Eventually, she took the plunge and enrolled to complete an Art Foundation diploma at Hastings College of Art and Design. She wasn't satisfied after getting her qualification and went on to study for a BA in Silversmithing, Goldsmithing and Jewellery at the Kent Institute of Art in Design from 2002 to 2005. After completing her degree, Jennifer went on to complete a residential year with the Bishopsland Educational Trust, which provided her with incredible opportunities. There, she was taught by some of the best in the industry, including Rod Kelly and Malcolm Appleby. She also enjoyed a two-week residency with the Bonhoga Gallery in Shetland where she taught workshops and exhibited her work.

Because of her outstanding work, Jennifer was invited back to the Kent Institute of Art in Design, but this time as a teacher. She went on to start her own practice with a studio in London and Edinburgh and she also exhibited her work at shows such as Lustre in Nottingham and Goldsmith’s Fair in London and in galleries across the United Kingdom.

We are very proud that Jennifer shares her varied knowledge and experience with our students here at Kent Adult Education. She says: "I think it’s really important to pass on skills and share knowledge, especially where craft is concerned. Without this, traditional skills would be lost, there are many heritage crafts that are at risk of being lost forever. Fortunately, this is not the case for jewellery and silversmithing. The workshop at Gravesend has many beautiful tools that have been used for years and years, they still work just as well as the day they were first made. Some of the tools have been hand-made and traditionally a jeweller would have made their own tools. I think it’s incredibly special and I feel privileged to be able to teach traditional skills using tools that have their own history".