Jewellery buyers are offered the opportunity to purchase previously unseen unique pieces designed and made by Iris Oakes c.1970, in our auction of Fine Jewellery and Watches on Tuesday 27 July. Though undiscovered in the Jewellery world, Iris was a multi-talented craftswoman, with a wealth of accomplishments under her belt.
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
We are thrilled to launch The Glass Sale - a brand-new addition to our auction calendar! The inaugural sale will take place on Tuesday 28 October and will become a biannual fixture in our calendar going forward.
20 June 2025
We are proud to announce our collaboration with Britten Pears Arts, a pioneering music, arts, and heritage charity based on the Suffolk Coast. Custodians of two iconic and historic sites – Snape Maltings and The Red House – Britten Pears Arts has been a cultural cornerstone since 1948.
19 June 2025
An impressive single-owner collection of Eric Ravilious ceramics will star as one of the standout sections in our upcoming 8 July Design sale.
19 June 2025