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 individuals 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.
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.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
