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
