2nd Skin/Cork Jewellery is a project initiated by two Portuguese institutes, Design Local and esad, Escola Superior de Artes e Design. Jewellery as a second skin of people and cork as a second skin of the cork oak are here drawn together, and this has led to new uses for this natural material, of which Portugal is the world’s largest producer. Texture, colour and form as well as the tactile and insulation features of cork have inspired jewellery designers from diverse countries to contribute to the collection, which is on show at Galerie Ra during the month of June.

My own experience with cork was an additional reason for bringing this collection to Amsterdam. In 1975 I made cork bracelets and in 1985 produced a collection of necklaces and dishes. The search for new unusual materials for jewellery was all part of the unrestrained, experimental urge that typified the nineteen seventies and eighties. And as the exhibition 2nd Skin/Cork Jewellery shows, the interaction between an unusual material and the creative spirit continues to produce exciting results. Paul Derrez