After completing an art foundation course in Bedford, his home town, he
went on to a degree course in furniture design at Leeds Metropolitan University.
Here he developed a rich feeling for design and a sharp sense of rhythm.
Setting up a digital studio in his flat he wrote and produced splintering
dance tracks. Cutting a 12" white label and teaming up with DJ's he
played live PA's in clubs around the north and London, always travelling
back to Leeds in the early hours of the morning ready for college.
Successfully completing his BA honours degree he moved on to London. Ariving
in Shoreditch in 92 he shared a workshop covering the rent by welding up
bunk beds for a local comunity centre. Soon after, he was employed full
time by an Islington based designer. It was here he developed a love for
jewellery working on orders for Paul Smith, Dunhill and A Bathing Ape. A huge part of his
time here was designing customer commissions and collections for the shop
on Upper Street. In an apprentiship atmosphere Cheshire learned many of
the jewellery skills and subtleties he values today.
With the 21st century on his mind 2001 was the perfect time to leave and
start the William Cheshire jewellery label. With huge support from family
and friends the moment had come. An exciting concept for a new direction
in jewellery for men began.
A trip around his favorite contemporary jewellery shops was
the beginning of a big interest in his work, now selling through some of
the UKĄs more varied and cutting edge jewellery stores, from Bristol to
Glasgow.
His open mind to design and a feeling for detailed value has lead to colaborations
outside jewellery circles with fashion designers for the cat walk. Working
on collections with cult clothing company Silas And Maria he produces a
raw and unique collection each season for men and women. The ongoing colaboration
gives Cheshire a real challenge both in design and production, one which
he meets, stares at and grabs.
From rock stars to grandpa's bespoke commissions are a very important part
of William Cheshire. His private clients find it an exciting, valued and
very personal experience.
Outside the world of precious metals and rocks Cheshire loves
his huge vintage 60's styled Triumph motorcycle which he rides to his studio
every day. Often seen around London streets dropping off jewellery and picking
up supplies.
It all enhances the face to face contact he likes with everyone he works
with and the verve for his designing and the label. He reflects this crazy
everyday world around us and blends influences from the things we bump into
creating bold jewellery with a tailor made feel.
"It's never about extravagance, size and cost. It's returning
to a value that replaces confidence in hidden places, an escape from the
politely organised".
