Jean Watling
If it wasn't for the sheer drive and enthusiasm of Jean Watling, Watling Goldsmiths may never have happened. From the time that Graham showed interest  for furthering his education as a silversmith, in art and history at Loughborough University, Jean became the bread winner, (even with a young family to bring up) to help achieve their ambitions.

It was partly due to the flamboyant way in which Jean wore her husband's jewellery (which had been made at home during the evenings), that enabled her to offer it at a price to any prospective customers. This finally persuaded them to set up a business selling jewellery and silverware, instead of teaching. This was their true destiny.

Jean and Graham Watling at the shop door
 

For most of the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Gallery in Lacock, it was the vibrant and exciting personality of Jean that complemented the embodiment of the craftsmanship being displayed there.

In fact most of the customers and many visitors  came to know Jean as one of their friends and to this day she is still greatly missed,  following her death from cancer aged only 60 during 1993.

Jean Watling holding the Sterling Silver Cross made by Graham and Jane for the Lacock church
Jean Watling introduces Yehudi Menuhin to a display of Graham's jewellery and silversmithing work at the Crafts Council Exhibition London 1971. This was just one of the many international exhibitions at which Jean helped promote Graham's work. Jean Watling and Yehudi Menuhin atCrafts Council Exhibition London 1971