Toby Dickinson, creator of LeonC Jewellery, lives in Leigh-on-Sea, was raised in Cambridge, attended Sussex University and spent his working life in London. Always interested in arts and craft, how things worked, were made or could be repaired, he was inspired by an exhibition at the British Museum of Ancient Egyptian Jewellery, objects that had survived and were still beautiful and functional despite being several thousand years old. Hence the realisation that jewellery making offered the opportunity for something approaching immortality, and a conviction that he should try to make beautiful and practical objects with that longevity.

He was never interested in making conventional “shiny” things, but rather in creating unfinished rough surfaces, with texture and pattern, and on making jewellery that is unusual, unconventional and eye-catching. However he is nonetheless committed to the principle that any jewellery must be wearable, practical and comfortable and (like a Paul Smith suit) interesting from all angles not just the “front”.
More recently, driven in part by increases in precious metal prices, he has experimented with non-precious metals and recycled and found materials, raising new challenges to his commitment pieces that last, and leading to exploration and development of techniques and materials that are wider than those of conventional jewellery making.

LeonC produces unique and contemporary jewellery combining multiple techniques, materials and motifs. Sometimes humorous, sometimes challenging, key elements are comfort, practicality and longevity.
A profound personal influence, David Bowie referred in creative processes to the need to go a little bit out of one’s depth and when you don’t feel your feet touching the bottom you are in the right place to do something exciting. He also said that he thought it was terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other people’s expectations, and that they generally produce their worst work when they do that.
Jewellery making offers an opportunity for a personal statement, an artistic display and to show off skill, craft and imagination. If it works, it should also be a lasting legacy and a gift to the future.