Love is in the air at the Fountain Gallery (From Surrey Comet)

Love is in the air at the Fountain Gallery

1:28pm Thursday 28th January 2010 in

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For jewellery designer Alexandra Simpson, 2009 proved to be a year to remember as she picked up the coveted Coutts New Jeweller Award, and she is hoping 2010 will be just as successful.

Simpson, 38, is getting things started with a two-week exhibition at the Fountain Gallery, in East Moseley, where examples of her jewellery will be on display and for sale.

In a nod to Valentine’s Day, Simpson has called the show Romance at the Fountain, and she hopes her jewellery, including necklaces, ear rings, cufflinks, bracelets and tiaras, will help ensure love is in the East Moseley air.

“Jewellery has got the romantic side to it, which I love, and I’ve gone down the path of being inspired by the art nouveau period,” she says.

“It’s lovely doing these exhibitions and, although it is also nice to do trade fairs, with these kinds of shows it is great to get that direct relationship with the people who are buying my jewellery.”

Romance at the Fountain will also feature paintings, including two of Hampton Court, by Sarah Holcombe and ceramics by Lok Ming Fung.

Simpson says she is delighted to be making her debut at the gallery.

“I’m a new member and this is my first show,” she adds.

“I must admit, I’ve had my eye on it for a while and this is the right time for me as I’m really progressing – it’s a great area and opportunity for me.

“It’s exciting to do this show, but it has also been quite a big learning curve because I’ve had to do all of the PR and get other people involved.”

Simpson, an East Sheen resident and former primary school teacher, only started out in jewellery design nine years ago having originally completed a degree in art, specialising in glass, at Surrey University.

“I’ve always loved jewellery – I like wearing it and buying it,” she says.

“The first time I started making it was nine years ago after I took part in a part-time course.

“I’d never have guessed I would come down this route to become a full-time jeweller.”

Romance at the Fountain, Fountain Gallery, 26 Bridge Road, Hampton Court, East Molesey, February 2-14, Tuesdays-Sundays, 11.30am to 5.30pm (closed Mondays), 020 8941 5865, alexandrasimpson.com/ fountaingallery.co.uk