IRN BRUooch is made using a repurposed can of IRN-BRU and platinum. It was conceived and developed through research and experimentation during the latter stages of lockdown. As a lecturer the restrictions due to Covid19 presented huge challenges for students and teaching. I was however enormously impressed by the creativity and innovative ways in which students embraced projects, especially in the use of alternative or sustainable materials & found objects. This in itself was inspirational and reminded me of the potential and joy of working in different ways, and breaking through my own ‘creative block’ by exploring materiality.
The Brooch is made using a combination of traditional techniques in fine 'wire work' made possible with the use of laser technology and my many years developing fine jewellery making skills. This piece was created using a very long continuous aluminium thread cut by hand from one empty IRN-BRU can framed in a platinum ribbon forming a ‘spiral’ brooch. This visual effect, a signature of my work, utilises the recognisable colours of Irn Bru to create a changing colour optical illusion.
This piece won two GC&DC Gold Awards for Laser Technology & Creative Innovation (2023)
Exhibited in a touring exhibition between 6th March 2023 - 16th June 2023. Goldsmiths' Hall London, Birmingham Assay Office and The Goldsmiths Centre London.
‘Andrew Lamb hit gold with both his design entries combining fine craftsmanship & technology, one broke refreshing territory in successfully combining discarded recycled material with platinum and achieving unusual visual qualities. When I was judging one of the categories I instantly picked up Andrew’s brooch I was so impressed with it especially when I found out what it was made from. I always try to convey that it is how materials are successfully worked that is what is important not not the value of the material alone’
Joanna Hardy (Jewellery expert BBC Antiques Roadshow, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Trade Warden, Goldsmiths Company London)
This piece was featured in The Glasgow Times Newspaper - Friday 10th March 2023 - p.6.
