Electrum was set up in 1971 by Barbara Cartlidge and her partner Derrick Cartlidge in partnership with Ralph Turner who was employed to deliver the exhibition programme. In its early years the gallery held many critically acclaimed exhibitions featuring cutting edge new jewellery from the artists of the time. Jewellers featured during this period included Gerda Flockinger CBE, Susanna Heron, Wendy Ramshaw CBE and David Poston.
Electrum was one of the earliest studio jewellery galleries to open in Europe and is renowned for its promotion of contemporary jewellery which is both designed and made by the artist.
The jewellers shown at Electrum in the early years were exploring new techniques, materials and concepts of jewellery – and today Electrum still focuses on this tradition.
In 2005 the gallery was purchased and renovated by Contemporary Applied Arts, a charity set up to promote British craft. The gallery remains in South Molton Street and continues to promote the best in international contemporary jewellery.
