The summer of 2026 will be a golden one for a Farnham art gallery as it’s hosting a UK first thanks to a blossoming link with a jewellery and silversmith charity.

The New Ashgate Gallery has pulled off a major coup as its hosting the first exhibition of work by Goldsmiths’ Centre emerging makers outside the capital.

The Goldsmiths’ Centre at New Ashgate Gallery: Crafted in Colour exhibition will feature bold examples of jewellery and silverwork from 20 selected makers from the GC’s Shine Alumni network.

Final arrangements have yet to be confirmed but more than 150 pieces will be displayed in the foyer and long gallery with a private viewing earmarked for July.

“It’s very exciting,” said gallery director, Outi Remes, calling the exhibition a “big thing” for Farnham.

She added: “It’s the first exhibition of its kind outside London and it’s coming here to Farnham, which is amazing as it’s such a big national organisation.

“We do regular work with national organisations and last year we went to Goldsmith’s and have built a relationship.

“I think being a World Craft Town probably helped as our reputation preceded us a little.”

Outi described the Farringdon-based GC as the UK’s leading charity for jewellers and people working with precious metals, with everything from designing, making, crafting and finishing coming together at the centre.

“We haven’t quite finalised details as the open call to take part in the exhibition closes on Monday (January 12) but this is such an exciting collaboration,” said Victoria Tarry, New Ashgate art consultant for ceramics and jewellery.

In the meantime the focus will be on Fiona Pearce and her Making Shapes exhibition. A collection of vibrant paintings that capture the countryside around her studio near Alton will be on show from this Saturday (January 17) to March 7.