Horsham Museum & Art Gallery has recently opened a display of jewellery made by Horsham based designer, Safa M Sharif studio. The display features four sculptural pieces created in copper, which showcase Safa’s skills as a jewellery maker and in metallurgy.
Visitors to the museum can take inspiration from Safa’s work and gain a greater understanding of the intricacies of creating by hand, in a time when we are often more familiar with fast-paced machine manufacturer.
Alongside the pieces themselves, the display also includes information detailing Safa’s design process. Safa seeks inspiration from many sources including from history and artisanal traditions of the past.
Her current fine jewellery collection centres around a motif from 17th century ceramics which she researched as part of her studies in Jewellery Design and Manufacturing at the British Academy of Jewellery.
This central concept is then reworked and redefined, first in sketches and templates, and later traced onto metal before she employs various specialist techniques in order to bring each piece to life.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture Cllr Tony Frankland said: “We are delighted to showcase the work of local designer Safa M Sharif at our museum.
“This display highlights not only Safa’s exceptional creativity and craftsmanship, but also the value of traditional making skills and artistic heritage.
It is wonderful to be able to provide a platform for local talent and to offer visitors an insight into the expertise involved in creating these beautiful pieces by hand.
Safa commented: “Having the opportunity to exhibit my work at Horsham Museum is something I’m truly grateful for.
“This display marks the culmination of over a year of research, design and making, taking the collection from an initial concept through sketches, prototypes and countless hours at the bench to the finished works visitors see today.
“The Held series began as a single hand piece celebrating motherhood and has since evolved into four sculptural works.
“I hope the display encourages visitors to slow down, look closely, and appreciate both the stories behind the collection and the craftsmanship involved in creating each piece.”
Safa M Sharif: An Artisanal Jeweller display is open now at Horsham Museum until Saturday 5 September 2026. The display is included as part of the Museum’s free entry.