The Lifetime Achievement Award

Celebrating a lifetime of contribution & commitment to the industry

The Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) is given annually by the Goldsmiths' Craft & Design Council. This is in recognition of a recipient's lifetime contribution and commitment to the craft and industry of silversmithing, jewellery and/or the allied trades over the course of their lifetime, and has shown an exemplary dedication to the profession. 

This award was inspired by the concept of “Living National Treasures” from Japan. It acknowledges individuals who have given a lifetime to their craft, particularly those who are preserving the skills and culture for the next generation and beyond. They are masters in their craft.

This prestigious award is generously sponsored by Thomas Fattorini Ltd who make the specially designed silver medal that is presented to the LAA recipient at the GC&DC’s prestigious awards event.

The Lifetime Achievement Award 2025

Gay Penfold

Winner of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA)

Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Chairman summed up Gay’s achievement on the evening of this year’s Awards.

Gay’s ability to connect people, drive meaningful change and champion the next generation of makers has made a lasting impact.

Council wanted to recognise not just her achievements but the spirit of generosity and leadership that defines her work.”

 

Gay Penfold with Goldsmiths’ Company Prime Warden, Richard Reid (L) and Thomas Fattorini (R), receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Goldsmiths’ Craft & Design Council Awards 2025

 

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

2024 Tony Bedford
2023 Penelope & Oliver Makower
2022 Malcolm Appleby
2021 Jane Short
2020 Charlotte de Syllas
2019 Grant Macdonald
2018 Patrick & Vivian Fuller
2017 Caroline Broadhead




2016 David McCarty
2015 Norman Bassant 
2014 Gerald Whiles
2013 Christopher Lawrence
2012 Tony Shepherd
2011 Alex Styles
2010 Dorothy Hogg
2009 Stuart Devlin
2008 Paul Podolsky

11 Jan 2026

Online Entry Form Submission Deadline

13 - 14 Jan 2026

Entry submission @ 

The Goldsmiths’ Centre

EC1M 5AD

9th Mar 2026

Awards Ceremony @

The Merchant Taylors' Hall, 

EC2R 8JB

23 - 27 Mar 2026

Awards Exhibition & Events @ 

The Birmingham Assay Office

B1 3AX

1 July - 10 Sept 2026

Awards Exhibition & Events @ 

The Goldsmiths’ Centre

EC1M 5AD

 

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