Fleur Grenier British, b. 1971
There are few contemporary pewtersmiths working within the UK, of which Fleur is one. Her passion for pewter began when she was introduced to it while doing her degree at Sir John Cass in London 30 years ago and from that moment she did not look back and it has been a constant companion in her work.
Following her degree she went on to The Royal College of Art, London where she completed her M.A in Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery. This passion has remained and when she completed her M.A, she set up a studio in London and in 2003 moved back to Sussex and established the studio where she works from today.
Fleurs current series of work Home started in 2019, exploring the word ‘home’ and what it means, not only to us as humans but also the many insects, mammals, fish and other creatures with which we share our planet. It also gave her an opportunity to explore a new material, concrete. She experimented with the different techniques, but also found a crossover of skills such as mould-making, casting and polishing which gave a harmonious fusion of the two materials.
“Home gives us a feeling of belonging no matter whom or what we are, whether it is a nest, house, habitat or ocean. It is a place to feel safe, comfortable, connected or part of a community. A home provides space for an individual to shelter, sleep and eat in relative peace. For families, tribes or colonies it has the added opportunity to communicate and share knowledge. Whatever organism we may be, we all have a place where we feel comfortable – we know it as home.”
The natural environment is a great influence on Fleur’s work and it is important to her that future generations can also enjoy it. With each sculpture from her Home series that is sold she makes a donation to The Woodland Trust charity to plant a pair of trees, helping to plant woods and regenerate the land.
EDUCATION
1994 – 1996 Royal College of Art
M.A. (R.C.A) Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery. 1990 – 1994 Sir John Cass, London Metropolitan University
B.A. (Hons) Jewellery, Silversmithing, Metalwork & allied crafts.
1988 - 1990 Northbrook Metropolitan College – Preliminary Course, College Certificate. 2013 – 2017 Smithbrook Glassblowing Studio, Cranleigh, Surrey.
2003 – 2004 City & Guilds 7407 Certificate in Further Education Teaching, Northbrook Metropolitan College
2006 EU Leonardo d’ Vinci Programme.
AWARDS
2016 Silver Award. Metalwork & Wood Category. Craft & Design Magazine award.
2015 Pewter and glass collection MADE Brighton. Craft & Design Magazine award
2015 2nd Prize Pewter Live Open Competition
2014 Registered ‘Touchmark’ Worshipful Company of Pewterers.
2014 2nd Prize Pewter Live Open Competition
2010 3rd Prize Pewter Live Open Competition
2000 International Design Network Foundation competition 3rd Prize, New York. IDNF/Japanese cutlery manufacturer.
COMMISSIONS
2020 Crozier for the Bishop of Stepney, London
2016 Communion set The Carey Baptist Church, Northampton.
2013 Pewter and glass bowl presented to the Countess of Wessex, by The Worshipful Company of Pewterers
2011 Series of bowls for Rugby Union (RFU)
2010 'Pewter Design & Techniques' - Fleur Grenier, Published by Crowood Press 2010 East Grinstead 25th Anniversary Triathlon Medals
2009 Award for St Catherine’s School, Guildford.
2006 Chain of Office for Rustington Parish council.
1996 Ceramic Sanitary ware and accessories for Ideal Standard.
MEMBERSHIPS
2020 Member of Design Nation
2018 Crafts Council Directory of Makers
2014 Registered ‘Touchmark’ at a Ceremony held at the Worshipful Company of Pewterers.
2009 Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Pewterers
2004 Membership to Sussex Guild Contemporary & Traditional Crafts
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Inspired
7 Mar - 5 Apr 2024 -
Winter Exhibition 2023
4 - 22 Dec 2023Anne Butler , Claire Malet, Archana Pathak, Bridget Harvey, Erum Aamir, Fleur Grenier, Hannah Walters, Hannah Lane, Katie Spragg, Melissa Hampson-Smith, Naomi Mcintosh, Richard McVetis, Rachna Garodia, Solenne Jolivet ...Read more -
The Handmade's Table
London Design Festival 2021 18 - 26 Sep 2021The Handmade’s Table is a collection of contemporary tableware that is essential to the art of dining. The exhibition will showcase handcrafted works of art that enhances this experience. Makers...Read more
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inspired
Collect 2024 28 Feb - 3 Mar 2024Ruup & Form is delighted to be returning to Collect 2024. VIP Preview: 28/ 29 February 2024 Exhibiting works by : Erum Aamir Anne Butler...Read more -
In Quest for Harmony
Collect 2023 1 - 5 Mar 2023Ruup & Form presents In Quest for Harmony at Collect International Art Fair’s 19th Edition 3 rd to 5th March 2023 (Preview 1st - 2nd March) at Somerset House. Ruup & Form, leading contemporary gallery based in London, focussing on material-led artists is delighted to return to Collect International Art Fair with fourteen exceptional artists, all responding to the theme of In Quest for Harmony . The exhibition delves into the many facets of emotional upheavals, political and social turbulences. The artists respond with their personal sense of equilibrium, asking questions through their medium. The theme of harmony is especially relevant in today’s divided world, where perspectives and beliefs often lead to conflict and disharmony. The selected artists are shaping the future of craft and art, by innovation and experimentation, pushing boundaries with material, techniques, and by incorporating new materials to create works that are both alethically striking and conceptually engaging. In Quest of Harmony is showcase of diverse collection of materials bringing together talented artists displaying their unique and innovative pieces exploring the concept of what harmony means to them. Our participating artists are : Anne Butler Katie Spragg Richard McVetis Naomi Mcintosh Zoe Preece Claudia Clare Beatrice Mayfield Ekta Kaul Clare Palmer Shannon Clegg Erum Aamir Archana Pathak Claire Malet Fleur Grenier Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive and one-of-a-kind works. The fair will take place at Somerset House from 3rd to 5th March 2023 (Previews 1-2 March). We look forward to welcoming art and craft lovers and collectors to this exciting event. About Ruup & Form Ruup & Form is a curatorial led contemporary gallery based in London, working with material-led artists with a focus on suitability. Interjecting art, craft, and design, we present the best in collectible design and craft from across the globe, showcasing unique and limited-edition contemporary works. Founded by Varuna Kollanethu in 2019, the aim of the gallery is to blur lines between art and crafts, build communities by bringing works to a wider audience and promoting our artists through exhibitions, events, fairs, and educational workshops. The gallery currently works with over 40 artists having built a reputation for the support to its artists, building deep rooted relationships with artists and collectors alike. We have taken on large commissions with corporates and individuals and built trust as an innovative gallery. www.ruupandform.com Download selected images here Instagram: @ruup.and.form #ruupandform #inquestforharmony #collect2023 For all enquiries and photographs email hello@ruupandform.com About Collect International Art Fair Collect showcases exceptional work made in the last five years by living artists and designers allowing each gallery to curate their own display and commission new pieces or bodies of work, especially for the fair. Works span many craft disciplines including ceramics, glass, lacquer, art jewellery, precious metalwork, textiles and fibre, wood and paper to works using non-traditional materials including resin and bone. The fair’s aim is to introduce and cultivate purchasing audiences to develop and grow the financial and intellectual value of craft at this level. Organised by the Crafts Council, t he fair provides art consultants, interiors specialists, collectors, museum curators, design practitioners and wider enthusiasts with an unrivalled opportunity to discover and invest in contemporary craft that will surprise, delight and endure. About Crafts Council, UK The Crafts Council is the national charity for craft. We believe craft skills and knowledge enrich and uplift us as individuals and can change our world for the better. Through our activities we inspire making, empower learning and nurture craft businesses. We do this by championing craft and its positive impact on society, increasing levels of craft education and participation, growing the market for craft, and by building a sustainable and inclusive craft sector.Read more