Old Brambletyean, Sam Stirrat, returned to the Art Department last week. Back to the very room where he first learned the creative skills that now underpin his fine-jewellery career. 

After winning an Art Scholarship to Harrow in 2003, Sam went on to study Geography at Durham, later merging both passions to launch his London-based jewellery brand, Blackacre London.

Sam spoke to our Year 7E class, sharing memories of his time at Brambletye and praising the standard of their sketchbook work. He encouraged pupils to stay curious, experiment boldly, and keep developing the foundations that once shaped his own artistic journey.

Blackacre London is built around Sam’s lifelong fascination with gemstones. What began as a childhood collection is now a progressive, “responsible luxury” brand dedicated to sourcing the world’s most remarkable stones and designing bespoke pieces around them. His team of expert jewellers, designers, and gemologists focus on tailoring every step to each individual client, ensuring an experience as meaningful as the final piece.

If you search Blackacre London on YouTube, you’ll find their latest short film, which captures how Sam blends his love of Geography with craftsmanship, storytelling, and ethical design. A business built on word of mouth and immaculate service, Blackacre London shows how Sam has woven together his early interests to create something truly distinctive.