Four students and three staff members from Freeman College attended the annual Pewter Live award ceremony during an overnight trip to London. The group included the Pewter Tutor, Jewellery Tutor, and Metalwork Tutor.
The PewterLive committee invited Rick Reeves, Pewter Tutor, to attend as an independent maker. He represented both his own work and Freeman College. Rick is building a relationship with the Pewterers’ Guild. He is focusing on mastering pewter and working with FMC students. This gives students access to the wider pewter community. It also creates opportunities to extend their workshop skills into the wider world.
In addition to developing students’ potential, this has allowed Rick to grow professionally. He has built confidence, knowledge, and credibility in the field of pewter. He has gained insight into high-quality pewter work and made connections with industry professionals. Company representatives are interested in putting Rick Reeves forward as a contributing member of the Guild at Freeman College. This shows positive recognition and potential for wider links.
For the students, visiting Pewterers’ Hall created a strong sense of place. It linked history, environment, and craft. It also showed how setting and context influence the value of handmade work. This supports their work in the workshop. It encourages pride, connection, and awareness of their making environment.
Bringing industry insights back into the workshop will support high standards and craftsmanship. It will also increase awareness of opportunities for progression. This will strengthen links between student work and real-world craft contexts.