The VANILLA INK STORY
Vanilla Ink CIC was founded in the spring of 2017 after bubbling away as a concept in the background for a few years. Originally meant to be called ‘The Scottish Goldsmith’s Centre’, the idea came from two people from very different backgrounds within the jewellery business. One came through the further education system, spending five years as a jewellery student whereas the other was a highly skilled goldsmith who had spent over two decades working in high end workshops across Scotland. Together, they combined their separate skill sets to allow a concept to become reality. A successful crowdfunding campaign began, raising over £30,000, meaning that the journey was well and truly on its way.
A change was to be made at this point. Instead of being ‘The Scottish Goldsmith’s Centre’, a decision was made to name the new Community Interest Company in a similar vein to the current business belonging to one of the founders. The idea was to encourage continuity within the industry and give the brand new company the best possible start. Plus, ‘The Scottish Goldsmith’s Centre’ sounds old fashioned and never suited the feel of the new company. From here, Vanilla Ink Jewellery School CIC was born.
After a triumphant launch and impressive start, the CIC and the old Ltd company merged, and the founders continued on the path to continued success. Located in Finnieston in the west end of Glasgow, the vibe and creative community in which they were based suited the business down to the ground, which immediately reaped rewards. In late 2017, an opportunity arose that was simply too good to pass up. Although expansion was always on their radar, they never expected it to be so quick. A chance to open up a second site had come up and it was one they simply could not let slide by. After working closely with Aberdeenshire Council, Vanilla Ink: The Smiddy opened in beautiful Banff on the north east coast in September 2018.
Similar in blueprint to Glasgow but slightly tweaked, The Smiddy opened as a Centre of Excellence for Silversmithing and Jewellery. The question often asked is “why choose Banff” but the truth is that Banff chose Vanilla Ink. The area has a rich silversmithing heritage and alongside a group of enthusiastic people, the aims are to return Banff to the glory days and firmly put the town on the map as one of the world’s leading Silver Towns. Banff was not the only place where VICIC continued to grow, with the inevitable expansion of Glasgow HQ being announced in late 2019. They travelled from west down to the east, opening up huge new premises in Bridgeton in early 2020.
Now, in 2023, only Scott McIntyre remains as Creative Director from the original founders. Alongside Ellie Smith-Barratt [CEO] and Lorna Romanenghi [Cultural Director], they now make up the team who aim to educate, inspire and empower the jewellery industry and beyond.
WHAT WE DO
We are a vibrant and dynamic hub dedicated to promoting creativity, innovation, and cooperation in the realm of arts, design and jewellery making. We offer a diverse range of resources and programmes tailored to empower and support emerging talent. We are a unique facility for creative minds to innovate, collaborate, and explore.