Glasgow 2014: Art graduate to design medals

An award-winning silversmith has been selected to design the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medals.
Jonathan Matthew Boyd will design the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medals. Picture: John YoungJonathan Matthew Boyd will design the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medals. Picture: John Young
Jonathan Matthew Boyd will design the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games medals. Picture: John Young

Glasgow School of Art graduate Jonathan Mathew Boyd said the opportunity to showcase his skills was “both humbling and exciting”.

The 29-year-old uses digital technology in his work as well as traditional metalworking techniques.

The medal design will be revealed next year.

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The craftsman said: “I love the city of Glasgow and have lived here for most of my adult life. To be given this important opportunity and to showcase my admiration for the city is both humbling and extremely exciting.

“I have always thought of Glasgow as a unique and special place, one that thinks and does things differently. I hope in my design I can reflect Glasgow’s industrial past, capture something of the city that it’s become and, most importantly, capture that uniqueness that Glasgow has.”

Mr Boyd received a first class honours in silversmithing and jewellery and is now a lecturer at the art school. Earlier this month he won a prize at the Beijing International Contemporary Metal Art Exhibition for his collection of oxidised silver jewellery.

Professor Tom Inns, director of Glasgow School of Art, said: “Jonathan is an incredibly talented maker and jeweller. I know that he will create a fascinating and innovative design for the medals that Glasgow and the Commonwealth will be proud of.”

Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “I’m delighted to have Jonathan’s incredible creative talent on board and I know he will bring something truly unique to the Games. I am excited to see his final designs and have no doubt that the Glasgow 2014 medals will be something truly special.

“The Glasgow School of Art is a world-class institution yet remains an integral part of the fabric of this great city, steeped in history and a place that has been the starting point for many artists and designers for more than a century.”

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