A Truro College student has received one of seven £1,000 bursaries for silversmithing after competing against 78 other entrants from top national arts universities.

The Goldsmith Centre, the UK’s leading charity for the professional training of goldsmiths, awarded the bursary to Alex O’Connor, from Penzance, who is currently on the BA silversmithing and jewellery course.

The prize was awarded to candidates who exhibited a design that displays a new, exciting and innovative use of precious metals. The winners are also given the opportunity to exhibit their work at the annual New Designers showcase, where professionals from the industry will review work, an ideal networking event for students.

Competing against universities such as Central Saint Martins and Glasgow School of Art, Truro College had two applicants enter the competition, with Alex being awarded the second best bursary that the programme offered.

Alex says of the Silversmithing course at Truro College: “The course is brilliant down here. We concentrate on working by hand, which is perfect as that’s what I’m passionate about. There’s nothing quite like making things by hand. The course has been the best thing I’ve ever done. Out of all of the people who entered the competition I am genuinely shocked and overjoyed to have won the bursary.”

To find out more about the course, come along to the next open event at Truro College on May 4, starting at 5pm.