Maria Hanson

Maria Hanson is an Associate Professor and Course Leader for the MA Jewellery & Metalwork program at Sheffield Hallam University's Department of Art and Design. She has worked in higher education since 1993, supervising postgraduate and PhD students while conducting practice-led research. Her work explores personal/social rituals through wearable artefacts, material sustainability, and participatory research methods.

Education: Master of Arts in Goldsmithing from the Royal College of Art (RCA), London (1991). Key professional roles include 7 years as Trustee of Museums Sheffield and founding member of the Galvanize Metalwork Festival. Recognized with prestigious awards including Freedom of the Goldsmiths’ Company (2006) and Company of Cutlers’ in Hallamshire (2007).

Research focuses on narrative jewellery, cultural heritage, and collaborative projects like 'Create & Connect' in East Africa and 'Making Links' in Indonesia, empowering artisans through design innovation. Exhibited globally, with works in major collections including the Crafts Council and National Museums of Scotland.

Active in widening participation in creative arts, mentoring emerging designers, and curating international exhibitions like the inaugural BR Gallery show in Yunnan, China (2019).