Bringing it Back to Broome: WA fine jeweller John Miller returns to the Kimberley with new exhibition

WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are advised that this article may contain images of people who have died. Renowned fine jewellery designer John Miller, who opened Broome’s first jewellery shop more than four decades ago, has returned to the coastal town to bring a unique collection inspired by the Kimberley landscapes and icons. His exhibition, Bringing it Back to Broome, will showcase his intricate designs pressed onto various pieces of jewellery using old-world techniques at the Redbill Studio Gallery from June 17 to July 31. “I moved south to be with my mother about 40 years ago and just realised recently I should do a show in Broome, so I thought I’d bring show up and show people what I do,” he said. “I focused on a Broome range and incorporated pearl shells, hermit crabs, camels and even mangoes just to make it extra ‘Broome’.” Miller’s journey into jewellery-making began over 50 years ago by accident, after accepting a job polishing silver at a shop in Cottesloe from a man he was introduced to at a pub. “He wasn’t all that keen on being a silversmith and was never there (at the shop) so I just went for it and thought it was great,” he said. “I’d never experienced what a beautiful material silver was prior to that so I just loved it and thought I could really work with this.” Having spent a lot of his childhood in the Kimberley and growing up in an artistic family, Miller decided to open Broome’s first jewellery shop, Dampier’s Chest, in 1979. “Once I started making jewellery I thought Broome would be a wonderful place to make jewellery because of all its wonderful history and iconography, like divers and mud crabs,” he said. “I carve steel punches and press or hammer them into silver. Every piece is different — it makes for a really good quality product starting with really good rolled-plated silver. “Then there’s the process of bending it around, cleaning it and polishing it, which takes nearly as long. “It takes hours — but I don’t mind sitting there working on something.” Miller’s career has resulted in two shops based in Margaret River and Yallingup consisting of 17 staff and five trainees, creating jewellery pieces such as chains, bracelets, rings, earrings and more. Despite spending most of his time in the southern regions of WA, he has always been drawn to the Kimberley. “I’ve been coming back regularly every few years for a week or so here, but I like having something to do, I can’t just lie by the pool and read Cosmo because I get frustrated,” he said. “I want to be working or doing something, so it occurred to me to do a Broome show and bring it up.” Redbill Studio Gallery can be found on 48 Carnarvon Street amongst Matsos Brewery, with all items on display at the exhibition for sale. John Miller’s jewellery will be on display Monday to Saturday between 10.30am to 2pm, closed on Sundays.