Dedicated to the memory of a former colleague and friend, Dorothy Hogg (1945-2022).

Emeritus Professor Dorothy Hogg MBE was Head of the Jewellery & Silversmithing Department at Edinburgh College of Art between 1985 and 2007.

I had the privilege of working alongside Dorothy for 18 years; she was not only a colleague but also a very dear and special friend.

Dorothy was a natural giver; her warmth, generosity of spirit and the support she gave to me both professionally and personally was truly immeasurable and I am completely indebted.

Dorothy loved the visual contrast between black & white, both in the jewellery that she designed and made, and in the clothes she liked to wear. I wanted to reflect this contrast in the materials that I have chosen to make the brooch: oxidised silver (black) & freshwater pearls (white).

The square as a shape is typically representative of sturdiness and strength, qualities that I associated with Dorothy.  Of course, it then seemed appropriate that the ‘pearl dot’ is centrally embedded within the square.

Saumur, I have since found out, was a favourite place for Dorothy (Dot) and her family on early camping holidays to France, so it is entirely fitting that this jewel made in her memory is exhibited here at the Chateau.

Susan Cross
June 2024