Experience
From his apprenticeship onwards, John has worked exclusively in the silversmithing, goldsmithing and jewellery making arenas. After qualifying, he continued working as a part-time lecturer and technician at Derby Art College (later the University of Derby).
In 1984, John made the decision to start his own business. John Blackburn's Craft Centre, was established in January 1985. Situated in a central location to Derby city centre, it is a comprehensively equipped facility providing manufacturing and repairing services to the trade and general public. In keeping with John's previous experience, the Craft Centre also runs silversmithing and jewellery making courses. These courses operate during both the daytime and evening, and attract students of all ages, gender and background. John has the facilities to teach up to one hundred students each week.
Many unique pieces of jewellery are displayed in the Craft Centre shop, along with a vast selection of precious and semi-precious gem stones. John takes an ethical approach to business, underlining both social and Christian values, this includes the use of conflict free diamonds.
John is available in the shop for consultation and advice on jewellery design and manufacturing decisions. Whilst stooped in the tradition of his craft, using techniques, processes and tools unchanged in hundreds of years, John's design style is firmly "traditionally modern". He is inspired by everyday objects, both natural and man-made, to produce original and unique jewellery designs. John rarely produces the same design twice, preferring that the customer own an original and unique piece. John has received commissions from all over the UK and the world.
John and the Craft Centre have been featured in several publications including "Derbyshire Life" magazine, "Derby Now", and the "Derby Evening Telegraph". He has also featured on BBC Radio Derby, and also in the BBC TV series "Late Tackle".
