Richard Allen - Tutor and Assessor
Richard has been involved in the jewellery industry since way back in 1985 and had a lengthy career in recruitment, training and merchandising before returning to the industry full time in 2020. He created his first jewellery courses in 2022 with Pepper Tree Studio and formed Metal Clay Academy in 2026. Richard's award winning jewellery has been showcased at galleries across the UK as well as in Japan and Poland and many of the projects developed for the Metal Clay Academy Courses are based on Richard's contemporary designs.
Lesley Willard - Tutor and Assessor
Lesley had a lengthy career in banking as a trainer and business development mentor as well as a marketing and merchandising consultant working for several prestigious high street retailers. She joined Pepper Tree Studio in 2024, originally in a branding and marketing role but has since developed her creative input with both gallery showcasing and skills demonstrations. Lesley will also be heading up the business development and mentoring courses for Metal Clay Academy.
Richard has been involved in the jewellery industry since way back in 1985 and had a lengthy career in recruitment, training and merchandising before returning to the industry full time in 2020. He created his first jewellery courses in 2022 with Pepper Tree Studio and formed Metal Clay Academy in 2026. Richard's award winning jewellery has been showcased at galleries across the UK as well as in Japan and Poland and many of the projects developed for the Metal Clay Academy Courses are based on Richard's contemporary designs.
Lesley Willard - Tutor and Assessor
Lesley had a lengthy career in banking as a trainer and business development mentor as well as a marketing and merchandising consultant working for several prestigious high street retailers. She joined Pepper Tree Studio in 2024, originally in a branding and marketing role but has since developed her creative input with both gallery showcasing and skills demonstrations. Lesley will also be heading up the business development and mentoring courses for Metal Clay Academy.