Why did you choose to be a jewellery designer?
I think that the craft rather chose me. At a very young age, I was enthralled by how one can shape hard metal into complex forms. I am lucky that I could make a career out of something I love doing so much.
How did it all begin?
I graduated from the Arts and Crafts College in Vienna, Austria. After that, I completed a traditional apprenticeship in Silandro, Italy. Then I worked for a number of different designers until I finally opened my own workshop in London in 1995. That’s how I started.
©Josef Koppmann
What inspires you to create?
My work is inspired by modern architecture, predominantly brutalism. It’s universal and not tied to a country. As for the reason why I really love my profession, it’s the perpetuity: the fact that I create something that will be treasured long after I am gone.
What is little known about your work?
It is really important to me that the wearer and collector know as much about me and my work as possible. If there is one special thing to know about me as an artisan, it would be my obsession with old tools.