A BARNSLEY silversmith has forged a precious metal collection to fundraise in memory of a local businesswoman who helped save a stately home.
Dame Julie Kenny, who died in February 2025 aged 67, led the preservation trust which bought Wentworth Woodhouse in 2017, safeguarding one of Britain’s most significant heritage buildings for future generations.
Since her sudden death, the Dame Julie Kenny Legacy Fund has raised over £150,000 to support the restoration project.
Contemporary silversmith Rebecca Joselyn, who has designed for the late Queen and King Charles, was one of many people she supported and encouraged.
Rebecca, who lives in Thurgoland, has now teamed up with Wentworth Woodhouse to launch Be More Julie - a collection of sculptural pieces crafted in sterling silver and gold plate in aid of the legacy fund.
It includes a pin brooch and a series of sculptural vases, each shaped like a gift bag.
She went to Barnsley College to study 3D design before gaining a degree in metalwork and jewellery at Sheffield Hallam University.
Rebecca, who grew up in Penistone and battled with dyslexia, said: “Consequently I was not academic and used to skive off school, but l loved art and got an A at GCSE, amazing everyone.
“I was honoured when Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust asked me to create the Be More Julie range.
“Julie touched my life and the collection will be raising money for the house she loved so much.”
The two women first met at Goldsmiths North, the annual contemporary silverware and jewellery show held at the Cutlers Hall in Sheffield.
Rebecca co-founded the event in 2019 with fellow silversmith Brett Payne and arranged for one of its talented artisans to create a silver model of Wentworth Woodhouse for Dame Julie.
The silverware and jewellery specialist later gifted one of her silver bag vases to a fundraising auction at the mansion’s Black Diamonds Ball and was commissioned by Iain Hall, Dame Julie’s husband, to make a vase for his wife.
“We discovered we had similar South Yorkshire working class backgrounds and life stories and we became friends,” she added.
“Just before I started her commission, though, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer but I was determined not to let her down.
“Julie was ever-supportive with me throughout.
“She was a strong, kind and positive woman and the Be More Julie motto aims to encourage others to follow her example,” said Rebecca.
“I strive to ‘be more Julie’ by mentoring young and aspiring silversmiths and jewellers, supporting charities and advocating for the precious metalworking sector.”
Sarah McLeod, of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, praised the scheme.
“Julie’s legacy fund continues her mission to save and restore our Grade I-listed country house and she would be extremely proud of the Be More Julie collection,” she added.
“Rebecca represents female excellence in silversmithing; her talent and integrity resonated strongly with Julie.
“These two women carved their own paths and shared a commitment to preserving the past while shaping the future.”
