Case Studies
Michael Peckitt
Company Information
Michael Peckitt is an artist sole trader who is also a designer – maker of acrylic and anodised aluminium jewellery. His company, Very Colourful Jewellery, was started from scratch three years ago and currently supplies about 160 outlets in the UK. The company has an interactive website, for those who know his work but are unable to source it locally. The website is part of the company's business plan to steadily build a retail business, and makes a major contribution towards its current export drive.
Brief
Michael wished to explore the development of a new art form in anodised aluminium using reticulation, the heating of the anodised but untouched metal which distorts the surface with lines and undulations. He wanted to both improve his knowledge and skills in working with anodised aluminium and explore further techniques which gave not only a vibrant colour pallet, but also texture to his work.
Impact
- New fine art work has been produced, sold and exhibited.
- The JIIC put Michael's work forward for the European Aluminium Competition 2006 in Germany.
- Michael has achieved success in his first foray into export.
- This work is now in several galleries including a private gallery in Berlin, the Guggenheim Art Gallery Shop, Germany, and the Museum of Art Gallery shop in Philadelphia, USA.
- Michael has had enquiries from a USA wholesale distributor who wishes to show the work at a museum buyer's convention in Huston, USA.
JIIC assisted Michael with supported access to their anodising facility and their surface finishing expertise. This has helped Michael develop his knowledge and inspired him to explore anodised textures. Further cooperation and a long-term relationship with the JIIC has been established.