Jewellery Student's Climate Change Brooch Secures Spot in National Museum Collection
A landmark achievement for City of Glasgow College as Aileen Dickie-Adams, HND jewellery student makes history by having her work added to the permanent collection of National Museums Scotland.
Aileen's remarkable journey started during the challenges of lockdown, when she triumphed as the winner in a college-organised competition. Her creation, a bespoke brooch crafted for the then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, served as a powerful statement at COP26 in Glasgow 2021, emphasising the pressing urgency of addressing climate change.
Reflecting on her work, Aileen expressed:
"To have my design selected by the First Minister and have it worn on a public stage for COP26 but also now have the incredible honour of my piece being a part of the Museum of Scotland’s permanent collection is beyond a dream come true.
As a child, and into adulthood I love visiting the Museum of Scotland, and it has always been a central part of any visit to Edinburgh. To know that my piece is now part of the national collection is just surreal."
Aileen's winning design focused on rising sea levels and seamlessly blended heritage craft with state-of-the-art technology. Vipa Design Ltd played a crucial role in bringing her vision to life, by casting the brooch using recycled silver and Fairtrade gold. This project became reality thanks to the generous funding from the Scottish FairTrade Forum, CETS and the City of Glasgow College.
Aileen added:
"The support, sharing of knowledge and encouragement I have received from my tutors in the Jewellery department has been invaluable. Without the hard work of my curriculum head Lisa McGovern, this opportunity would never have existed. And without the knowledge and expertise shared by my tutors Eilidh Wood, Laura Murray, Colin Thompson, David Findlay and Maciek Sankowski, my piece might never have existed. I am beyond honoured and grateful."
Aileen, accompanied by Dean Alison Bell, Associate Dean Eddie Carr and Curriculum Head Lisa McGovern from City of Glasgow College, visited the Museum Stores to personally deliver the brooch to Dr Georgia Vullinghs, Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary History at National Museums Scotland. Alison stated:
"The National Museum Scotland acquiring Aileen's brooch is a testament to the teaching and opportunities provided by Lisa and the team, promoting creativity and artistry in our students. Aileen is an inspiring individual and I believe this unique accolade is only the start of her journey in Jewellery design."
The brooch now stands proudly among the collections of modern material with connections to sustainability, climate change and biodiversity loss at National Museums Scotland. Its presence there not only celebrates Aileen's jewellery design talent but also highlights the College's commitment to nurturing and recognising exceptional creativity that speaks to contemporary issues.
City of Glasgow College continues to be a hub for innovation and artistic expression, shaping the next generation of creative minds who make an impact on a national scale.
If you are interested in jewellery design our full time course start in August 2024.