Beyond The Bench | Old Haa Museum
We’re delighted to be part of Beyond the Bench, a special six-week exhibition at the Old Haa Museum in Yell, celebrating the creativity of the people behind Shetland Jewellery.
Beyond the Bench offers a glimpse into the individual creativity, ideas and inspirations of seven of our talented team members.
Through a diverse collection of work, the exhibition celebrates their artistic practices beyond jewellery making and reveals another side to the makers behind Shetland Jewellery.
Veensart – Shannon Pottinger
Painting is the one thing that truly relaxes me. What started as a peerie (small) pastime during lockdown quickly grew into my own small business. It all began as Peerie Pots, when I mainly painted plant pots and gave them a new lease of life. From there, I branched out into painting miniature canvases inspired by Shetland’s beautiful scenery, seascapes and wildlife. As my little collection grew, so did the idea behind it, and I eventually rebranded as Veensart – a name inspired by my little croft in Veensgarth, Tingwall. Each piece is painted with a little bit of love for Shetland, capturing the places, wildlife and landscapes that make home so special to me.
Bronwyn
My paintings are inspired by the wild beauty of Shetland. Working in acrylic paints, I capture the landscapes, coastlines and changing skies that make the islands so unique. Each painting is a personal interpretation of Shetland scenery, reflecting its rugged beauty, peaceful moments and ever-changing light.
Christina Inkster
Christina studied Fine Art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. Since graduating, she has represented Shetland as Lead Artist on several National Projects and pursues her own creative practice alongside her professional career as an Artist, Graphic Designer and Jeweller. Captivated by culture, folklore and fairytales, Christina is a visual storyteller.
Erin
My name is Erin and I am a 17 year old young artist who aspires to share my crafts with people who appreciate whimsy and fun! I design and create wire jewellery consisting of beads, organic shapes, and swirls. I use aluminium wire for all of my pieces and all earring and bracelet fittings are stainless steel. Expressing yourself is so important and jewellery is such an amazing and fun way to do that
Tenneka Designs
started from my interest of all things creative! I have always loved drawing and painting since I was peerie, as well as trying different crafts and techniques. Designing has always been an escape for me, and a time when I can really relax which I am very grateful for. My work for 'Beyond the Bench' has been one of my favourite projects yet and I truly love every piece within the collection. My main inspiration for my work is anything natural as I grew up playing outside and going on adventures with my family. In particular my focus is of the sea, bids and wildlife as many of my favourite memories are the days I spent off in the boat with my grandfolk and uncle.
Ash
These charms are the latest in my ever-busy minds' obsessions. I have always been a creative person with a drive to try something new constantly. I've spent time in so many facets of art and design it would be easier giving you a list of the things I haven't tried. I discovered a new way to make homemade "ceramic style" air dry clay and jumped at the chance to try it. Combining some modelling skills I'd learned in college with my jewellery design knowledge built over my time at Shetland Jewellery, I developed the idea for these Norse themed charms. They're made with my own homemade air dry "ceramic" clay finished with handrawn Shetland Norse imagery and sealed with resin. Every single one is handmodelled and hand-drawn. I just love making things, as simple as that. I love being able to handmake something and it gets passed on usually as a gift or a keepsake. There's something very special about the time your hands spend on an item that holds meaning for someone, no matter the size.
Sophie
Sophie, converted Northumbrian, islander for 23 years, forever in awe of and inspired by Shetland. Photography and Jewellery. The collection Sophie designed for the exhibition is available to buy online and can be found here.
If you’d like to visit the exhibition, Beyond the Bench By Shetland Jewellery is on display at the Old Haa Museum, Brough Road, Burravoe, Yell, ZE2 9AZ, from 17th August to 4th October 2026. The exhibition brings together work by members of the Shetland Jewellery Team, showcasing the creative practices they pursue beyond the jewellery bench.
