Medal Design 2D

A Celebration Gift              

Founded in 1327, the Goldsmiths’ Company celebrates its 700th anniversary in 2027. To mark this historic milestone, the winning medal design, in partnership with BAO, will be manufactured by Fattorini. This will be presented by BAO and the award winner to the Goldsmiths’ Company as a gift and sincere token in recognition of its seven centuries as a Livery Company, where it has continuously supported the industry and charities throughout its long, remarkable and distinguished life. 

Design an anniversary medal that is representative of this, using any reference, symbol, etc. relating to the Company as a starting point and potential catalyst. There is an abundance of visual historical references to the Goldsmiths’ Company’s heritage to research, refer to, and relate to, but what is not encouraged are any literal representations. Here are two instances, but not intended as a directive:

• Look into the coat of arms to understand all the elements that are incorporated in these, and explore the theme/s in a creative, novel design-led fashion.  

• ‘The Wardens and Commonalty of the Mystery of Goldsmiths of the City of London - The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths as granted by King Edward III in 1327’. Today, the medieval words would be translated as: The Wardens and Members of the Goldsmiths’ Guild of the City of London, as granted in the 1327 Charter. These are the words heard by every new Freeman on admittance as a member of the Goldsmiths’ Company. 

Also explore how you can sew/integrate some visual representation of BAO into your design to reflect the affiliation, partnership and alliance between BAO and the Goldsmiths’ Company. It’s also worth remembering that the Goldsmiths’ Company recently undertook a rebranding exercise that resulted in a simplification, the Company logo as an example, so a design that has a contemporary take with a less is more approach is encouraged, but this isn’t compulsory. 

As before, designs should maximise the surface areas available on the medal using both sides, and can include the edge/rim for engraving and/or design, to create a fluent, distinctive and cohesive design. This is a fabulous opportunity to create a visual narrative of the Goldsmiths’ Company and BAO with the licence to interpret, abstract, represent, etc. The medal will be a one-off and struck (press-stamped), not cast; therefore, there can be no undercuts in the design. The diameter will be 70mm and will be produced and presented to the Goldsmiths’ Company in its very special anniversary year, 2027.  

• Imaginative and creative outcomes, showing innovation and aesthetic appeal

• Practical and functional solutions

•  Suitability of proposed materials, processes and methods of manufacture

•  Highest standards of presentation and visual communication, including inspiration source, design development leading to the final design

•  Appropriate inclusion of all details as laid out in the brief

• Designs are to be presented on one side only and mounted on card, foam board or equivalent backing board

• Submissions - 1 x A3 (maximum)

• Designs must include a 1.1 scaled drawing

• Designs can be created by hand or using CAD

• Summary/description integrated within your design

• Names should only be visible on the back of the entry

• If Ai is used, list what and how much

The intention is to provide three silver medals, one each for the Goldsmiths’ Company, Assay Office and the Goldsmiths’ Centre.  

The winning designer will be invited to Fattorini to see the production of their medal design and also be in attendance when the gifts are presented in 2027.

The art medal is a medium for expressing two ideas in one artwork, also engaging with its edge to create a complete narrative.  Designs should think about how the form of the medal can be used to emphasise their concept in a clever and compelling way. 

The art medal is held in the hand, and therefore its texture is an integral part of any design.  

The definition of an art medal: a two-sided, low relief medal that fits into the palm of the hand and is not intended to be worn. It is usually cast using the lost-wax technique.

For more information and inspiration on medal design, please visit the British Art Medal Society website.  

Participants can download a new online book about making medals here: