What is a Fellows Award?

We are proud to sponsor two awards at Birmingham City University's School of Jewellery each year. The awards reflect two main areas of the school and our business, Jewellery and Horology.

As a Jewellery Quarter-based company, we think it is important to support the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University. In addition to the annual awards, we also offer paid internships and part-time employment opportunities to students during their studies. Many recent graduates go on to work with us in our Jewellery and Watch teams.

This year, we caught up with the Horology award winner, Barry Archer.

 

The Fellows Award: Horology winner for 2025 Barry Archer with Jeremy Hobbins

 

Horology Prize: The Fellows Award 2025

As part of their final year, horology students at Birmingham City University produce a Major Project. Barry Archer won the Fellows Award, the Horology Prize for Technical Application to Theory, for his final-year project. Barry's journey began with repairing old clocks, where the extensive damage was attributed to a lack of lubricants or even the accumulation of oil, which had become abrasive. This became the focus of Barry's project, where he aimed to create a clock which eliminates the necessity for lubrication, thereby extending the clock’s operational lifespan without the need for repairs.

Barry said the following about his clock:

My research on roller bearings revealed that micro-ceramic materials would be ideal for my requirements. Not only are they lubrication-free, but they also require minimal force for rotation. Subsequently, I explored alternative modern materials, such as carbon fibre.

While I appreciate the intricate engineering that underpins clocks, I find their aesthetics less appealing. Consequently, I made a conscious effort to not only provide my clock with a contemporary and bold aesthetic but also to incorporate modern materials like carbon fibre, ceramic, acetate, and even high-density polyethene.

Winning the Fellows Award holds immense significance for me. I am immensely proud to have been recognised with it. It serves as a testament to the dedication and effort invested in the creation and design of my clock.

 

The winning project, Barry Archer's clock built around the basis of roller bearings and micro ceramic materials

 

Join the team

Fellows is one of the fastest-growing independent auction houses in the UK, holding close to 80 auctions every year. We offer excellent employment opportunities for those passionate about jewellery, watches, antiques, silver and collectables. Fellows remains a family business after over 140 years; we take pride in our friendly manner and excellent customer service. This helps to build long-term, supportive relationships with employees and clients alike.

We would be keen to hear from anyone looking to join the auction world. Visit our employment opportunities page or email us your CV and a cover letter.