Ruth Leslie 10 4–27 June 2026
We are delighted to present 10, an exhibition celebrating ten years of Ruth Leslie at The Scottish Gallery. Since 2015, Leslie has developed a distinctive practice creating playful, sculptural jewellery defined by precision, movement and form.
Working in silver, gold and titanium, her pieces draw inspiration from textiles and the structures of textile machinery. Using a hand drill, she twists fine wires which are shaped into intricate forms that balance strength with delicacy.
This new collection takes the hook and eye as its starting point, transforming a functional detail into a refined sculptural language. Repetition, connection and tension run through her jewellery, giving each piece a sense of rhythm.
“I’ve always viewed garment fastenings as jewellery for your clothes. We see hook and eye closures scattered throughout our everyday clothing and I am naturally drawn to this humble and timeless piece of functional design.
The final designs in this new collection remain recognisable in form, but I have explored scale and repetition. Some are authentically sized, whilst others appear oversized and more sculptural.”
eye earrings, 2026 silver, height 4cm x width 3cm
“I have always been an avid clothing enthusiast – if I hadn’t stuck with jewellery making, I would have pursued fashion in some capacity. Of course, jewellery and fashion naturally intertwine, so it made sense that I would combine them.
Emulating textiles and aspects of textile machinery in metal will continue to intrigue me, due to their movement and delicacy. Weaving looms are a magical piece of design and engineering, and have been a constant source of inspiration.”
ossein brooch, 2025 silver, diameter 7cm
heddle earrings, 2025 silver, length 5cm
ISBN: 978-1-917803-26-7
Designed and produced by Studio Rossi Ltd
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