Think of the colours and textures of the Lake District, and one of its most enduring is that of slate - the beautiful grey-green rock which has been hewn for centuries, from which walls and roofs are made - and from which John Fletcher creates the most delicate and beguiling slate jewellery

Choosing different shades of slate from Elterwater, Kirkstone, Broughton and beyond, seeking out those pieces with rich veins of variegated colour and patterning, John hand-cuts the wafer-thin slate into elegant curves and bold angles. Often adding delicate traceries of silver inlay to the slate jewellery to provide a bright contrast to the smooth darkness of the stone, he finally polishes the piece until it attains a burnished lustre and a velvet-smooth finish which is quite unique to the touch.

Self taught, John began producing in 1993 and enjoys the making of his unique pieces of slate jewellery as much as designing. Working from the Broughton Craft Shop he supplies a number of galleries throughout the U.K as well as selling from his own premises. John is also happy to discuss the creation of individual commissions.