ABOUT QUOIL
The gallery currently represents 37 New Zealand jewellery artists, producing work at the epitome of quality and preciousness. Our artists range from experienced, multi-award-winning heroes to freshly emerging talent. We like it best this way.Recently, a surge in the number of facilities for training in jewellery art has lead to broader expression, and higher standards for us to curate to. QUOIL is the only gallery in Wellington devoted to exclusively New Zealand jewellery artists. Some have emigrated from overseas and have chosen permanent residency here, which adds to the diversity: Japan, England, Iceland, and Germany are represented.
We hold around six exhibitions a year – a mix of solo and group shows. Potential exhibiting artists are invited to make a submission representative of the work they'd like to show. Usually there is a specific, personal concept or inspiration for their submission, which forms the theme of their show. "Aotearoa" and "Ringmaster" are both annually occurring group shows
featuring new work from all the QUOIL jewellers.
Exhibits and featured works are displayed in the lit wall cabinets while the drawers hold a treasure trove from each jeweller. Opening one drawer at a time, you have a chance to discover them. If you would like to be emailed about our exhibitions, please sign up here
The people who work in QUOIL are all practising jewellery artists. Owner Phillipa O'Sullivan holds a Degree in Fine Art majoring in Gold and Silversmithing from RMIT in Melbourne, Spring has a degree in jewellery design from Whitireia, and Vanessa is currently studying at Whitireia. QUOIL was originally opened by jewellery artist Belinda Hager in 1997, recognising a need for her contemporaries to receive local validation. Many of those original jewellers are still with QUOIL. In 2007 Phillipa O'Sullivan took the reins, retaining the supportive environment where artists are able to develop their creativity and self-confidence.
