Samson & Coles: Whitstable Jeweller

I was in Whitstable (Kent) earlier this week, an impromptu visit only decided on Monday afternoon whilst having drinks in the sun in Camden Market. After managing to book a B&B for the night we raced home, packed in 20 minutes and headed to St. Pancras to catch the train. Whitstable is a quaint little seaside town which comes alive late July for the Whitstable Oyster Festival, which luckily coincided with our visit. The town has a strong arty vibe with plenty of galleries and exhibitions, this influence has rubbed off on every aspect of the town, each shop feels unique with merchandise having that hand crafted, one-off feel. One could spend alot of dosh buying one of a kind pieces that may not be seen again!

I was on the look out for a birthday present for my mother and was drawn in, like a magpie, to Samson & Coles by an eye catching, vivid green, bird brooch in the window. Samson & Coles is owned and run by Jewellery Designers Teresa Samson and Madeline Coles. As well as showcasing their own gorgeous designs (which they make in the workshop at the back of the store) they also stock great british designers like Alex Monroe and Heather Stowell. The bird brooch was designed and made by Melanie Tomlinson who specialises in metal work jewellery as well as sculpture, illustrations and dioramas. The brooch is hand crafted with the design screen printed on to the metal:

"The processes I use to create a piece of work are time consuming, but I enjoy experimenting with colour and its vibrancy when printed onto a metal surface." Melanie Tomlinson.

My mother has just started working at Great Ormond Street Hospital and I thought this was the perfect gift for her to wear to work,  children are captivated by bright colours and pretty designs, hopefully this brooch will give a moment of joy. I expect my mother to be known as 'the woman with the green bird'. Brooch 89x44mm, printed metal from £28.00 from Samson & Coles, 13 Oxford St, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1DB, 01227 277985.