Emefa Cole will be the first person to hold the position at the esteemed Victoria & Albert Museum.
Date: 8 September 2022
Emefa Cole, who graduated from the School of Art, Architecture and Design with a degree in Jewellery Design, has been appointed curator of diaspora jewellery at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, and will hold the role for two years.
The role was created as part of the V&A’s ongoing project to address its colonial history, and will involve the research, acquisition, and presentation of a new vision for jewellery at the museum.
Emefa has gone from strength to strength since graduating in 2011. Her big break came in 2019, when she first exhibited her jewellery at a contemporary craft fair. Her striking, bold jewellery caught the attention of the V&A’s curator of jewellery Claire Phillips, which was the beginning of her relationship with the museum.
The course leader for Jewellery, Marianne Forrest was delighted to hear of her ex-student success: “I am so proud of Emefa and all she has achieved both while a student and after graduating. It has been fascinating to see her upward trajectory in the industry with overseas projects and explorations of technique. Emefa will be an excellent addition to the V&A team!”
Cole told Fashion United that “I’m thrilled to be employed by the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. I’m looking forward to working alongside the most incredible team of curators.”
“This is an opportunity to add to the existing collection through my lens as a maker, for which I’m honoured. The impact of this role on my own practice will be invaluable.”
Image: Victoria and Albert Museum entrance hall. Credit: Peter Cooper
