Kate Hamilton-Hunter
Kate began her first business at the age of 19 as a seamstress, specialising in bespoke bridal gowns. At the age of 28, she went back into education to study design, embroidery and textiles and then taught in higher education for 5 years. During this time, she developed a technique for working with metal using her knowledge of textiles. Starting with aluminium, copper and brass, Kate soon discovered a new material to make her designs from – recycled and reclaimed biscuit tins, loving the colour, pattern and graphic design on old and modern tins. Starting with wall-hangings, framed work and stationery, these designs evolved into jewellery. Kate designs all of the jewellery on this website and trains her team of talented jewellery-makers in her own unique processes used to create her signature style of contemporary jewellery. Now also trained in Silversmithing, she is always looking for new directions and inspiration for her collections. She takes all the photographs for this website and loves to take photos to inspire her sketchbook work whilst out walking in the beautiful countryside of North Wales.
Nikki Warlow Nikki, originally from Narberth in South Wales, was awarded a fine art degree in 2010 from Trinity University College Carmarthen. During her studies, she experimented in mixed media with a keen interest in using found objects in her work. After her formal studies, she developed an interest in jewellery making. On relocation to North Wales, she researched the prominent jewellery makers of the region and fell in love with Kate’s style of jewellery. Nikki’s current role in the studio is jewellery assembler and she’s delighted to be continually learning new skills.
David Fearnley Originally born in St. Helens, Dave spent his early years in Australia. He returned to North Wales as a teenager and eventually ended up working for a large American Bank dealing with various roles in Customer Service, Fraud and IT. When Dave was made redundant from this job he threw caution to the wind and followed his passion for glass making, setting up his own business creating beautiful fused glass jewellery which he still makes and exhibits today. Dave’s current role in the studio is jewellery assembler and he’s enjoying being part of such a talented team.
Jennifer Owen Born and brought up in North Wales, Jennifer studied Fashion Design & Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University which included an exciting year working in Sri Lanka. Following a stint as a support worker at Llandrillo College, Jennifer started making her own jewellery and hosting jewellery parties. Whilst working for Kate Jennifer has learnt many new skills and thoroughly enjoys her role as Workshop Supervisor.
Siân Backhouse Raised in the Conwy valley, Siân studied English and Fine Art at Aberystwyth University and later completed a Master’s degree in English Literature. While studying Fine Art, Sian specialised in copperplate etching and finds Kate’s use of metal and repurposed images for her jewellery very appealing. Sian is the Administrator at the studio and enjoys assisting with the nuts and bolts of running a creative business.
Norma Sinfield Originally born in Liverpool, Norma grew up in Peel on the Isle of Man and moved to Colwyn Bay when she was 11. With an affinity for retail management, Norma was previously employed as an Area Manager in the greetings card business looking after 17 stores in theNorth West. Norma joined the team in June 2012 as General Manager, overseeing all aspects of the business, making sure things run smoothly and has really enjoyed getting to know the team!
Tammy Garner Born in Burton-on-sea and spending her early years in Birmingham, Tammy moved to Rhyl when she was 7 and has lived there ever since. Having originally trained and worked as a hairdresser it was only when she embarked on family life (she’s mum to three boys!) that she discovered a talent for creating gifts at home. Tammy joined the team in September 2011 as jewellery maker, a role she’s passionate about, and likes being part of a close knit team.
Dave Bowden Born in Liverpool, Dave later moved to North Wales where he is now resident in Prestatyn along with his wife, Ruth, and their three children. Dave studied ceramics at Wrexham, then worked as a freelance artist for several years before taking a job printing children’s books for a mail-order company. Whilst still taking on occasional commissioned artwork, Dave began working for Kate in 2011 as picker, packer and post-person. He is currently studying towards an Open University degree in his spare time.
Maria Dawe Originally from St Asaph, Maria now lives in Rhyl. Maria has always been interested in creating things and has a keen interest in wire craft, making items including lamp shades from wire. It’s no wonder then that Maria joined the team straight from school and has become a super fast jewellery assembler. When she’s not being creative, Maria loves riding her motorbike and taking her dog for walks.
Lowri Jones Lowri joined the team in September 2012. Originally from St Asaph, Lowri has spent most her life in Llanelian. She first got the jewellery making bug when helping out at the Eisteddfod and subsequently spent 3 years studying product design at Bangor University, leaving with a BSc. A Welsh speaker, Lowri lives on a farm and loves helping out with the animals when she’s not making jewellery. Now firmly part of the team, Lowri loves working at Kate HH Studio!
Sarah Evans Sarah joined KateHH Studio in October 2010. Born in St Asaph, she has spent all her life in Denbigh. Sarah has always had a keen interest in jewellery making, particularly in a vintage style. At 17 she started making her own jewellery. After spending time at Llandrillo College Sarah went on to study Fine Art at John Moore’s University, gaining a BA (Hons). With an active life and lots of hobbies Sarah still manages to pursue her passion for Vintage Style and is currently remodelling a friend’s house.
Sarah Richman Sarah has been working closely with the team at the Kate Hamilton-Hunter Studio since 2009. With over 15 years experience in Marketing and PR, Sarah handles all PR enquiries, our social media channels and helps think of original ways for the company to expand into new markets and achieve increased visibility.
Donna Griffiths Donna, our bookkeeper, joined KateHH Studio in December 2012. A local lady, and at 20 the youngest member of our team, Donna was born in Bangor and has lived all her life in Llandudno Junction. After leaving school at 16 Donna wanted to pursue her keen interest in finance and was lucky to gain work experience working as an apprentice in an accountant’s office. Donna’s hard work and commitment paid off, and within 12 months she became office supervisor. Donna has a keen interest in travel and has visited New York, Washington Dc and Philadelphia with lots more travel planned for the future. In her spare time Donna loves to walk her pampered pets Dave and Barry, two cross-breed Jack Russell terriers, taking them for long country walks in Wales.
Anna Kimber Anna is the newest member of the team, joining us in January 2013 as a web content editor and administrator. Originally from Manchester, Anna has lived in the Conwy area for several years and has two degrees from Bangor University: BA (Hons) in Linguistics & Creative Writing and MSc in Computing & Internet Systems. With this unusual skillset she enjoys web design from both the creative and technical sides. In her free time Anna competes in several equestrian sports – polocrosse, dressage and carriage driving trials – and also coaches young riders through the Pony Club.
