Jeff Richard Durber

Jeff Richard Durber is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Art and Design at the Sheffield Institute of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University. He serves as Collaborative Course Leader for the final-year BA Top-up course delivered at the Hong Kong Design Institute (SHU/SHAPE Hong Kong), aligning its curriculum with the university's BA(Hons) Jewellery & Metalwork program. His teaching spans all three years of the BA Jewellery and Metalwork course, focusing on modules like Materials & Making, Creative Strategies & Skills, and Independent Creative Direction.

Professional Experience:

• Founder of a Sheffield-based practice producing high-quality pocket knives using laser cutting and traditional craftsmanship
• Former silversmith at Brian Asquith Design Partnership, working on luxury tableware and museum reproductions for Alessi
• Engineering role at Advanced Engineering Techniques Ltd (2000–present), specializing in CAD, laser cutting, and steel fabrication for rail transport and public art projects

Teaching Philosophy: Advocates for the transformative power of art, design, and craft education in fostering creativity, resilience, and critical thinking. Emphasizes the value of 'play' in design processes and student-driven project development.

Research Contributions:

• Collaborated on public art commissions including the Head Post Office Plaque (Peter Kaye) and Post Hall floor repair artwork (Ranbir Lal)
• Explores intersections between industrial production techniques and handcrafted design methodologies