Jewellery Designer & Goldsmith

My Family History

My family history

Introduction to My Family History

Instigated by being nominated to the final 10, for Belgian Craftsperson of the Year Award 2019, I decided to research my family background. Where does the passion for my vocation come from? Do craftsmen run in the family? Were my ancestors self-employed craftspeople? So I started doing some digging into my family history. The saying “the apple does not fall far from the tree” springs to mind.

Mom's Family

The roots of my passion lie close to home. My grandparents on my mother’s side, both trained craftspeople, greatly influenced my appreciation for skilled craftsmanship. Born when they were in their late 40s and early 50s, I had the privilege of knowing them well and observing their dedication to their craft.

Their hands shaped more than materials; they shaped a legacy of artistry and precision that deeply impacted me. Watching their creativity unfold taught me the value of thoughtful design and the beauty of handmade work. Growing up surrounded by their skill and passion, I felt a natural pull toward the world of craftsmanship. Today, their influence shines through in every piece of jewellery I create, as I honour their legacy through my own commitment to excellence and artistry.

Maternal grandfather: Cobbler

My granddad apprenticed as a cobbler, but the eruption of WWII disrupted his plans to pursue the profession. After briefly working for a shoemaker in Brussels, he was sent to Berlin as a forced labourer in a shoe factory. At just nineteen, too young to fight in the war, he endured these hardships with resilience.

Though he didn’t return to shoemaking after the war, his trade tools and workshop remained in the basement of their house, serving as a quiet reminder of his craft. I vividly remember playing dress-up with my grandmother’s high heels, often breaking them in the process. My granddad would patiently and lovingly repair them, and I watched in fascination as his hands worked with the same care and precision he had learned as an apprentice.

His passion for his trade never truly faded, and I believe it stayed with him throughout his life, inspiring those around him.

Maternal grandmother: Dressmaker

My grandmother worked as a dressmaker for her brother-in-law, my grandfather’s older brother, and a tailor by trade. After my mom was born, my grandmother continued her profession as a dressmaker from home. Although she was no longer practiced her trade, when I was born, the first few years of my life were spent listening to her singer sewing machine. Later, I saw how my grandmother made the communion dresses for my cousins and worked on making curtains for my parents’ living room. She too always carried the passion for her trade in her heart. 

Great-aunt: Milliner

The rule of three applies to this family, my grandfather’s older sister learned the art of hat making. Their parents believed that learning a reputable skilled craft or trade would be their children’s bread and butter. My great aunt was an elegant lady of many talents. Although I never knew her when she practised as a milliner, this was the only surviving picture of her practising her craft. 

My Dad's Family History

Metal flows through my veins, a legacy from my dad’s side of the family. It feels fitting, as they hail from Sheffield, a city renowned for its steelworks and silversmithing industries, steeped in centuries of craftsmanship. Sheffield’s industrial heritage and artisanal excellence create a rich backdrop that influences my connection to working with metals.

Even today, Sheffield stands as a testament to this legacy, housing one of Britain’s four Assay Offices. These offices uphold the highest standards of quality control for silversmiths and goldsmiths, ensuring that every piece meets strict criteria for purity and craftsmanship. Growing up with this heritage in my blood, I feel a deep sense of pride and connection to the traditions of metalwork. It’s a legacy that inspires me daily as I continue the craft, blending history and innovation in my own work.

Paternal grandfather: Engineer in metallurgy

I trace my dad’s side of the family a little further back, though not too far. My grandfather specialised in metallurgy, continuing a family tradition of craftsmanship. His father and uncle were both skilled craftsmen, passing down their knowledge and passion through the generations.

Paternal great-uncle: Saddler and harness maker

On my grandfather’s side, my great-uncle was a saddler and harness maker. Even this makes sense to me, knowing that their father worked as the head-gamekeeper on Chatsworth Estate of the Duke of Devonshire at the beginning of the 19th century. He tended to the horses, hounds and stables, including the saddlery.

Great-grandfather: Silversmith

Much to my delight, my great-grandfather was a silversmith in Sheffield. Running his own business until the day he died during the winter of 1908/09. His specialism was engraving trophies, trays, and tea services. 

Sadly, hand-engraving is a dying art form. Laser engravers have taken their place and there are very few hand-engravers practicing this craft. It is a real art form, to be able to wield sharp engraving tools to carve letters into precious metals. 

I have a lot of appreciation for engravers, like Jonas De Clercq,  who are still passionate about this discipline today.

Reflecting on my family history

Discovering the stories of past generations in my family has been a real treat. While metal may have skipped a generation or two, I believe I’ve more than made up for it. For the past 20 years, I have worked as a jeweller. Navigating a journey that has been both tough and exciting, yet always driven by passion. I eagerly look forward to many more years of creating bespoke jewellery and sharing my craft with others.

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