new jewellery: barbara heath

Barbara Heath’s jewellery is treasured as wearable art, and her chain mesh necklaces – each one unique and painstaking in its construction – are among the most coveted pieces. Barbara will unveil her latest collection during the Michael McWilliams exhibition.

Barbara is delighted to be supporting Michael, a friend of more than 20 years. They first connected through a shared loved of antiquities: “Chain mesh is an ancient technique that was developed for armour. The complexity and finesse of the process seemed the perfect complement to the beautiful finesse of Michael’s paintings, which are also steeped in history,” Barbara explains.

Each fine chain mesh necklace takes Barbara around a week to create. Every piece crafted from some 750 hand-rolled links. A complex and time-intensive process. Yet, these wearable works of art, not only look incredible, they feel incredible also. “Chain mesh is so lovely to wear. It is fully collapsible and comes to life when worn. The mesh is fluid and moves like a slinky on the body.”

Barbara will present six new necklaces. Crafted from 9ct gold and oxidised silver, one striking piece is even sprinkled with gems. “This is something special. I haven’t done an expanded collection for Handmark for some time. It is also wonderful to be supporting the new paintings of our friend, Michael.”