The Goldsmiths' Company
Michelle O'Brien is a seasoned professional in charitable partnerships and community engagement, currently serving as the Head of Charitable Partnerships at The Goldsmiths' Company since July 2022. Prior to this role, Michelle held positions as Foundation Manager at The COSARAF Charitable Foundation and Community Engagement Manager at City & Guilds Group, where responsibilities included leadership in sustainability initiatives. Earlier in the career, Michelle served as Head of Operations at Mosaic and held various roles at Business in the Community, including Education Operations Manager and Diversity & Inclusion Events Coordinator. Michelle's career began as an Events Assistant at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Educational qualifications include a BA 2:1 in Religious Studies from Lancaster University, completed in 2002, and studies at Winstanley College.
The Goldsmiths' Company
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, more commonly known as the Goldsmiths' Company, is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and received its first royal charter in 1327. The Company continues to play an important role in support of the craft and industry, funding apprenticeships and assisting with the technical training of aspiring craftsmen. It has also made a £17.5 million investment by creating The Goldsmiths’ Centre, a unique community in the heart of Clerkenwell, providing training and workspace to goldsmiths, silversmiths and allied crafts. This is the Goldsmiths' Company's largest ever direct investment in the craft and industry with a particular focus on the trade, education and industry development. It also promotes excellence in the design and craftsmanship of silverware, jewellery and art medals, through advising on and arranging commissions, competitions and exhibitions. A selling exhibition, Goldsmiths' Fair, is held each year in the first week of October, where members of the public can purchase the work of over eighty contemporary designers and craftsmen. The Company has long supported a wide range of charitable areas and pursues a number of educational projects with schools and teachers. www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk www.assayofficelondon.co.uk www.goldsmithsfair.co.uk www.goldsmiths-centre.org