Our community stretches further than the four walls of FORGE – it encompasses the wider network of Artisans, Designers, specialist craftsmen and women, suppliers, professionals, enthusiasts, trading bodies, organisations and institutions within Hatton Garden and beyond.

When our founder first experienced Hatton Garden 20 years ago, she faced secrecy, closed doors, prejudice and sexism. Persistence and a drive to enlighten the industry to the advantages of working with young designers saw those doors slowly open. There is still a way to go, but she is proud of the part she played in making Hatton Garden the more inclusive and knowledge-sharing place it is today.

This is very much at the heart of FORGE which is a place where we can learn from each other, share knowledge, expertise and experience. Great things can happen when we think differently, pool our resources, connect, and work together.

In-House Makers

We can accommodate up to 9 resident Artisans ranging from Stone Setters and Engravers to established and early career Designer-Makers. We hope the mix of skills and abilities will create a place of mutual respect, and a vibrant sharing of knowledge and expertise in a supportive and friendly environment. 

In House Makers work will be available via the FORGE shop.

FORGE CLUB

The FORGE CLUB will be a collective of UK Artisans using equipment and facilities to support their practice.  They can also take part in mentoring or business support programmes, attend networking events and participate in various retail pop-up events throughout the year, as well as run workshops and much more!  There are many ways that FORGE will support professionals in building their profiles and business aspirations.

Designers Directory

Coming Soon! This will be a place to browse biographies of our In-House Makers and our FORGE CLUB members, learning  more about their practice, inspirations, specialist techniques, and also see them at work.

Industry Links

Crafts Council
We are in conversation with the Crafts Council to explore the potential for collaboration in a number of areas. FORGE will join the Crafts Council’s national network – Crafts UK, sharing insights and learning from across the craft sector and making sure our members are well connected. We will also feature in a new Crafts Council resource on the Craft Experience Economy.

Founded in 1972, the Crafts Council has a long history of championing craft through advising the government and supporting makers. Their goal is to make the UK the best place to make, see, collect and learn about contemporary craft

De Beers Group
We are delighted to be supporting the De Beers Group, Institute of Diamonds by promoting their new Diamond Pipeline Course to our members. This 5 day course explores all the stages of the diamond pipeline from mining through to marketing and is free to those with a strong connection to Hatton Garden.

De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company, with expertise in diamond exploration, mining, grading, marketing and retail. Together with their joint venture partners, they employ more than 20,000 people across the global diamond pipeline, with many of these people in there source countries of Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Through their own stores and their partners jeweller locations, our beautiful diamonds and jewellery designs bring joy and meaning to lovers of diamonds all around the world.

Institute of Professional Goldsmith (IPG)
We are in discussions with the IPG regarding delivering their mentoring programme through FORGE, as well as jewellery making workshops, demonstrations, and presentations. With around 200 members representing the finest quality of craftspeople there is a huge amount of valuable knowledge and skill to be willingly shared amongst the jewellery community, as well as those entering the industry.

“Excellence as Standard” is their motto and we are looking forward to them bringing that to FORGE.

Investors

In November 2020 we closed a successful crowdfunding campaign with Crowdcube. Without the generous support of friends, family, clients, and strangers we wouldn’t be in the position we are today having raised the money required to get FORGE (formally LOUPE) off the ground to make it a reality.  We are extremely grateful to all investors, big and small, for their belief in us – thank you so much!

Special thanks to:

David Mansell
Justin Wilson
John Samson
Jeremy Stokes
Oliver Boundy
Hardev Singh
Nicola Peachey
Yuk Wai Leo Ng
Brenda Whittaker
Anthony Dellow
Mark Greenwood
Gary Williams
Nicola Miller
Anne-Marie Reeves
Remo Mongiat
Gabriel Henriksen
Jeremiah Scanlon
Simon Thomas
Anna Britton
Justin Abbott
Lynne Bartlett
Claire Finlay-Thompson

Sponsors & Supporters

Camden Council

The Economic Development team at Camden Council have approved a significant grant for the refurbishment and refit of the Artisan co-working space.  They are very supportive of the project and keen to return space to affordable use, specifically for jewellers in Hatton Garden.

Hatton Garden Business Improvement District (BID)

The Hatton Garden BID supported our founder in securing the premises with Camden Council and continue to offer support through promotion to the local community. They see an absolute need for such a project to ensure that every opportunity is given to retain craftsmanship, talent and creativity within Hatton Garden. It also offers potential opportunities to forge even stronger links with the jewellery industry and wider business community.

The BID is focused on improving and enhancing the commercial area, and provides a collective voice for the business community, playing a vital role in the enhancement of the area, preserving its special assets and celebrating its uniqueness as a destination.

Special Acknowledgments:
"I couldn’t have kept going with FORGE without the love, help and continued support of some extra special colleagues, friends and family" Amanda Mansell (FORGE founder)

Carol Mansell (My lovely mum and biggest champion who heartbreakingly passed away in April 2021)
Russell Mansell (My kind, caring and incredibly supportive dad)
Dave Mansell (My loving, inspirational brother)
Justin Wilson
Laura Cave
Geraldine Kane
Derin Ozsezen
Jeremy Stokes
Simon Thomas