Rowena Gilbert

Since leaving CH with four A-Levels (Fine Art: A, Fashion & Textiles: A, Design & Technology: A, Maths: B) I graduated with a BA(Hons) Three Dimensional Crafts (specialising in Ceramics), went on to win “The Best Up and Coming Local Artist Award” Brighton & Hove, and set myself up in a ceramic art studio as a full time artist, designer, maker where I have built up my ceramic art career gaining a great reputation for producing original, unique, functional and sculptural ceramic designs that have gained me exhibitions nationwide.

All was going really well when suddenly the colleague in my studio moved away and took all the ceramic equipment she let me use with her. I needed to get a kiln, kiln furniture and all the other equipment fast as could not make anything for any of my galleries and shows without it. All this equipment amounted to a massive financial cost that I had no way of paying upfront for. I made so many attempts to get funding from all different sources but every attempt was declined, “we no longer do development awards”, “you can only apply if within 3 years of starting your career”, “we don’t give funding for equipment”, “you are not eligible for a loan” … there was no one who would help me.

I decided to contact BSB as a desperate last attempt. I had no one else to turn to. It is my career but it’s even more important than that, so much more than just a business, it’s my passion, my life, my quest to become a great ceramic artist.

I received a letter back within a month from BSB offering me an interest free loan. I am so extremely grateful to BSB for being so understanding and supportive and to giving me the financial assistance I desperately needed to be able to buy the equipment to continue with my career. Thank you so much BSB!! I hope one day to return the favour and give help and financial support to Old Blues beginning their careers.

Rowena Gilbert, LHB/LHA 1991-1998