Tell us a bit about Rowan?
Rowan is an arts centre and forest school for adults with learning disabilities. Since 1984 we have provided a safe, creative, and enriching environment where the arts are used as a tool to bring people together and tackle social exclusion. Rowan provides a range of creative workshops in woodwork, ceramics, textiles, drama, music and more.
What inspired the ‘Made This Way’ range in the Kettle’s Yard Shop?
At Rowan, we constantly seek new ways to inspire our students to create. With funding from John Lewis Partnership Foundation in 2025, we engaged Lydia Hartshorn as our Artist in Residence and ventured into the world of jewellery design. Several students participated in this project, contributing from the initial sketches to the final products.
“The collection name was a result of a “brain shower” session where we all came up with a very long list of potential names. We wanted to somehow express that it was made by a group of differently abled people without being too obvious and also that it was unique and handmade. It was decided by a vote as was the packaging though everyone was keen to have something sparkly!”
Anna, Student Skills Development Support
“The fun and enthusiasm from the student’s imaginations and discussions between them, Lydia and Anna were fascinating. It really shows how a six-month project can work in all its different stages and gave a taste of how professional jewellery makers work. We were very lucky to have such skilled and enthusiastic artists and tutors and students collaborating to make a fantastic range of fun, beautiful, bespoke jewellery pieces.”
Abi, Creative Workshops Manager
Artist Stories
Sasha, a student artist, was involved in the project from the beginning. She kept a weekly diary of her work with Lydia, including researching jewellery styles and sketching concepts. This journey involved making models with paper, wire, and jump rings. A highlight was visiting the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens for inspiration. Sasha envisioned a ring connected to a bangle by a chain. Her drawings show the evolution from sketches to models to the final piece:
“I loved the jewellery project. I found it relaxing and it really shows what Rowan is all about.”
The necklace and earrings available from Kettle’s Yard shop were designed by student artist Eloise, who was also inspired by the Botanic Gardens:
“I did some market research and found out their bestselling product were snowdrop earrings, which is where I got my inspiration from.”
Why did you want to collaborate with Kettle’s Yard?
Kettle’s Yard’s shop has an eclectic range of arts related products from the local area. They were already stocking some of our products, so we approached them with our jewellery range. For our student artists it is incredibly validating to see things that they have made for sale alongside works by other established artists and within walking distance of where they work.
Shop ‘Made This Way’ by Rowan
Rowan
‘Made This Way’ is a striking jewellery collection from Rowan, a unique arts centre in Cambridge, UK, for adults with learning disabilities.
Kettle's Yard Shop
Visit the Kettle's Yard house
