The Unknown Jewellery Designer That Should Have Been Known

Born in London and educated at Pinner Country Grammar School in Middlesex, Iris attended Imperial College of Science, London and the University College of Swansea.

She worked as a Cartographic Draughtsman for the National Parks Commission and later as a geologist for the consulting engineers Balfour Beatty Consultants.

^{A single stone rock crystal plaque or pectoral pendant, by Iris Oakes, c.1970. Estimate £150-200}

After her marriage, she studied jewellery making and upholstery before finally settled on bookbinding as her proper metier, working for many years under Sally Lou Smith and attending masterclasses by other well known designer bookbinders.  Over the years she learnt paper making, decorating, china restoration, rush and cane chair seating, together with many other peripheral craft skills.  Iris was a member of the Welwyn Craftmakers Guild, which ran from 1968-1990.  The Guild closed in about 1990, but an extract of an interview with the accomplished craftswoman in 2016 is available on their website.

^{A three stone tourmaline brooch/pendant, by Iris Oakes, c.1970. Estimate £130-180}

It is unclear why she chose not to pursue a career in jewellery making, as her skills in both design and production are clearly evident.  Her pieces are very much of their time, influenced by her contemporaries, Andrew Grima, Alan Martin Gard, John Donald, and George Weil to name but a few, although the pectoral pendant to be offered for sale on the 27 July has its own unique style. Her maker’s mark, registered in London in 1970, appears on most of the pieces that are included for sale.

In later life she worked mainly on restoration and re-binding of old books and these volumes are now in private hands.

For more information about the work of Iris Oakes, and the forthcoming sale, please contact - 

Catriona Smith

catrionasmith@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778