The Goldsmiths' Fair of 2003 proved to be the most popular and successful in the Fair's 21-year history. More than 150 people came through the doors within an hour of the Fair opening and the total number of visitors who attended over the seven days of its duration (September 29 to October 5, 2003) reached 6,500 - an increase of 2,300 on last year.
Once again 90 exhibitors, representing the cream of the creative talent active in Britain today, displayed their wares in the magnificent setting of Goldsmiths' Hall. Of the 90 exhibitors 59 were fine gem-set and general precious jewellers and 31 were silversmiths. As in previous years the Goldsmiths' Company awarded five free stands to recent graduates -silversmiths Kaya Hoang and Marion Kane, together with jewellers Miranda Sharpe, Ruth Tomlinson and Sue Lane.
Evening events took place on three successive nights starting with the Patron's Private View and followed by a special gala evening for Cosmetic Executive Women (UK) and an exclusive event for Evening Standard Magazine readers. The latter attracted an overwhelming response and resulted in sales of £57,000 in two hours. Collective sales for the Fair increased by 22% compared with total sales achieved in 2002.
The atmosphere throughout the seven days of the Fair was exceptionally buoyant due in a large part to the extremely enthusiastic response from members of the public to the stunning array of jewellery and silverware on display.
Paul Dyson, Director Promotion at the Goldsmiths' Company, said: “We are delighted with the resounding success of the 21st anniversary Goldsmiths' Fair, which attracted a huge number of first time visitors, as well as the loyal following of existing clients. The high figure of new attendees can be largely attributed to a carefully focused marketing initiative instigated by the new Promotions team. Our ongoing aim is to attract an even wider and more international audience, and we will be redoubling our efforts over the ensuing year to ensure that future Fairs become an increasingly successful event for both exhibitors and visitors.”
Exhibitors left tired but happy - many of them reporting it to be one of their best ever Fairs. Most were delighted at the amount of interest expressed in their work and were extremely optimistic of receiving considerable follow-up business over the next few months.
Martyn Pugh a veteran of Goldsmiths' Fair, having exhibited at each Fair since the first one in 1983, said: “This year was particularly exciting, not only because my new work was extremely well received but I, and all my fellow exhibitors, met so many new, interesting clients. People were obviously delighted to be able to talk to the designer as opposed to a shopkeeper. In terms of turnover I have experienced an upward trend over the past three years.”
Angus McFadyen won the prize for best-displayed merchandise judged by Chris Blackwell, Fortnum & Mason's display manager, with runners up Fred Rich and Adrian Hope.
The dates for next year's Goldsmiths' Fair are Monday October 4 through to Sunday October 10, 2004.

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Source: Goldsmiths' press release
October 2003