Ming Zhao - Solar AfterimageGold Award 2026
Conceptual Design 2D
For 700 years, the Goldsmiths’ Company has played a significant role in the life and well-being of the trade, the City of London and the nation, with its enduring commitment and legacy of improving people’s lives, in and outside our profession.
Its history is one of purpose, support, fellowship and pageantry; standards and service; ritual and responsibility; continuity and change. From protecting the purity and standards of precious metals and supporting craftspeople, to its ceremonies, traditions and enduring connection with the Crown, the Company has created a remarkable, evolving and distinguished legacy.
The Brief
Explore the history, traditions and values of the Goldsmiths’ Company and select an event, achievement, tradition or aspect of its legacy that captures your imagination. Use it as inspiration for a conceptual artefact. This could be jewellery, body adornment, regalia, a badge, emblem, ceremonial object — or something entirely unexpected.
Celebrate, embellish, exaggerate or reimagine your chosen inspiration. Your artefact can be precious or non-precious or in combination, wearable or intentionally impractical. There are no restrictions on materials or scale, and it doesn’t need to be manufacturable, but should retain a sense of reality and credibility.
Think beyond convention and let the history inspire something original, contemporary and compelling.
Be bold, be imaginative, make 700 years of history uniquely your own.
Explore the history and traditions of the Goldsmiths’ Company http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/history/
Your design board should clearly communicate your inspiration, its connection to the Goldsmiths’ Company, and the development of your idea, through to the final concept.
Judges will be looking for
Creativity & originality — an imaginative and innovative response.
Connection to the Company — a thoughtful interpretation of its history, legacy or values.
Design development — clear evidence of research, inspiration and progression.
Presentation — a compelling and beautifully resolved design board leading to the final concept.
Response to the brief — careful attention to all submission requirements.
Your entry must include the following
Be presented on one side only, mounted on card, foam board or equivalent.
Be no larger than one A3 sheet.
Be created by hand or using CAD.
Include a concise description of the concept, integrated into the design.
Show the inspiration and design development leading to the final concept.
Have the entrant’s name visible only on the back.
Guidance & Entry Form Requirements
Entries must comply with the 2D design and submission guidelines:
Good standards of visual communication and presentation will be highly regarded.
Description of your design, the concept and material specifications must be provided on the design board
Entrants are requested to declare on the entry form if they have had their design rendered by a CAD technician or a digital artist
Techniques & Technology used: It is important that you explain the techniques you have used to make your piece, i.e. gouache, CAD, Illustrator, watercolours, Procreate, etc. (Max 50 words)
Presentation
Designs are to be presented on one side only and mounted on card, foam board or equivalent backing board.
Paper only entries are not acceptable.
For all entries: x1 design board per entry.
Maximum dimensions for 2D Presentation Board
x1 A3 (297 x 420 mm)
Anonymity
Please ensure your name is on the reverse of your design board;
Do not put your name or identity/logos on the front of the design;
Entries that don’t conform to the above requirements may be disqualified.
10 Jan 2027
Online Entry Form Submission Deadline
12 - 13 - 14 Jan 2027
Entry submission @
The Goldsmiths’ Centre
EC1M 5AD
8th Mar 2027
Awards Ceremony @
The Goldsmiths' Hall
EC2V 6BN
8 - 19 Mar 2027
Awards Exhibition & Events @
The Goldsmiths' Hall
EC2V 6BN
