Three Truro College degree students studying Silversmithing have been awarded bursaries to aid them in their continued study and creation of their crafts. The bursaries will enable them to create their final pieces in their chosen precious metal.

Alison Hanlou, a single mother from Newquay who was awarded the “Silver Grant” said: “Without this grant I wouldn’t have been able to afford to make silverware, which is where my passion and skills lie.”

The “Silver Grant” is usually only awarded to one person in any given College, but in this instance the work put forward was of such a high standard that two bursaries were given to students at Truro College, a total sum of £600.

Jane Drummond, who was awarded both the “Precious Metals Bursary” worth £250, and the “Silver Grant” said: “I’m thrilled to have been granted these two awards. I now feel a doorway of opportunities has opened up to me. Not only can I now create pieces that were previously out of my financial reach, but also the recognition gained I’m certain will benefit my future path as a silversmith.”

Victoria Walker, who also was awarded a “Precious Metals Bursary” said: “As the Precious Metal Bursary is awarded based on our designs, it’s really encouraging to have won it at this stage in my degree”

All the work created will be exhibited at the end of year show on Lemon Quay, the Contempory craft fair at Bovey Tracey and New Designers at the Business Design Centre London.

The BA Silversmithing & Jewellery course is Unique to Cornwall and is aimed at students who wish to focus on both the vocational and the cultivation of an individual interpretation of personal craft practice.