Hand engraving for champlevé and basse-taille enamel work with Jane Short

Ref: S4D35852

Book now

Places available

About this course

On this course, you will learn about the tools and process for hand cutting recesses for champlevé and basse-taille enamel work.

Course Description

This course is aimed at enamellers/engravers who have some experience in using an engraving tool for surface decoration, and will cover how to cut and texture recesses for champlevé enamel. The course would also suit enamellers with no previous engraving experience who wish to learn engraving for enamelling; in which case, you would initially gain experience in using the engraving tools, starting with how to use an engraving tool for texturing a surface to be enamelled (basse-taille), whilst gaining an understanding of the process of champlevé cutting.

You will be working on copper with a set of four engraving tools, set up to fit your hand size, starting by outlining shapes and removing the metal within to create areas for the enamel, and texturing the surface ready for enamelling, with the option of moving on to a small silver blank if time allows.

Skill with hand cutting for enamelling improves greatly over time with practice, and this course aims to equip you with an understanding of the different gravers that are used, and how to set up and use them to cut recesses. It will allow you to progress at your own pace, equipping you with a knowledge of the technique to develop over time with confidence.

Timetable:

  • First evening
  • Setting up an engraving tool to fit the hand, and outline of the course

Topics covered during the course:

  • Marking on a pattern
  • Setting up work to engrave
  • Using the engraving tool
  • Angles and setting the back of a graver
  • Sharpening
  • Texturing surfaces
  • Cutting recesses

Engraving tools are made up to fit the size of an individual’s hand; this measurement would be asked for by the tutor in advance of the course, so that you can be provided with a personal set of gravers, which will be yours to keep. The tutor will contact you via email three weeks prior to the course start date with details of the hand measurements needed to set up your gravers before the course begins.

Course Materials

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including four pieces of copper sheet (40mm square, 0.9mm thick), a piece of Thermoloc and a set of four engraving tools set in handles per student. The college will also provide a wooden block per student, and some plasticine, tracing paper and Sellotape to share amongst the group.

What students need to bring

  • If you wish to progress to cutting on silver, a small quantity of 0.9mm or thicker standard silver, (or purchase from shop or tutor)
  • Small dividers, metal scribe, small metal ruler – the college can provide these for use on the course, but bring your own if you have them
  • A finger and thumb protector, or finger protection tape
  • You may find it useful to have some form of magnification, such as an optivisor if you find it hard to see fine detail
  • If you are used to using, and have, an engravers vice, you may find this useful to bring along

Available to buy

Available from shop:

  • Silver can be purchased from the College Shop, which stocks a range of sheet, wire, rod, tube and findings. These will be available in set sizes and lengths, suitable for a wide range of projects
  • Pencils and drawing materials

Available from tutor: Small silver blanks

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

The tutor will contact you via email three weeks prior to the course start date with details of the hand measurements needed to set up your gravers before the course begins.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

General Information

Tutors

Jane Short

Jane has had training both as a jeweller and silversmith, graduating from the Royal college of Art in 1979. She has been enamelling since 1974, and has a wide experience of enamelling on silver both on a smaller and larger scale. As well as producing her own work to commission, Jane has many years of teaching experience. Her work can be seen in several collections including the V&A, Fitzwilliam and Ashmolean museums, and the Queens Collection, and she is a Liveryman of the Goldsmiths Company.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Soldering for jewellers

26 Mar 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Laila Smith |
Intermediate
£178

Jewellery workshop

25 Mar 2025 | West Dean
1 place available
Tutor: Laila Smith |
Suitable for all
£166

Narrative jewellery

28 Feb 2025 to 2 Mar 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Jo McAllister |
Intermediate/Advanced
£314

Silver jewellery – statement earrings

21 Feb 2025 | West Dean
Places available
Tutor: Laila Smith |
Suitable for all
£188

Interested in a career in metalwork?

Our Foundation Degree in Metalwork will enhance your employment prospects, give you the skills to set up as a self-employed craftsperson or allow you to continue to higher education. Encompassing both silversmithing and blacksmithing, you will learn practical skills, material properties, placing your work in a broader context and historic metalworking techniques. Find out more