This in-depth course combines contemporary and traditional approaches as you work on individual projects.

By combining traditional and contemporary approaches to silversmithing, this course aims to encourage you to advance both your ideas and your skills in the making of three-dimensional objects in silver.

The course is primarily focused on methods of creating forms in metal: the synclastic and anticlastic raising of sheet metal, press forming and hand forging. Estimating of materials, the properties of metals, use of necessary tools, use of the gas torch for annealing and soldering and procedures for metal finishing will also be covered. The techniques that you apply on the course will depend on the nature of your project.

Beginners can cover most techniques on the completion of three projects: raising, box making and forging. Alternatively, you could concentrate on learning one of these techniques.

Intermediate and advanced students should have developed their skills further by doing more advanced projects.

Design ideas are discussed on a one-to-one basis. Demonstrations will be given of the techniques covered and one-to-one practical assistance will be available.

By the end of the course, you should have effectively realised a design idea you have on paper into a three-dimensional form in silver.

What students need to bring

It is useful, though not essential, if you have an idea of what you want to make in advance of the course. If you wish to contact the tutor, please email: [email protected] with an outline of what you want to make. This will be shared with the tutor who may contact you.

Whilst the silver stock at the College Shop is extensive, if you require an unusually large sheet of silver or thick bar (for forging), you should bring these with you.

If you intend to cast silver, please bring any clean scrap silver with you.

Enclosed toe footwear is essential.

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. Silver solder and saw blades are also available.

Additional information

Please note: Recommended bullion suppliers are: Argex Ltd, Metalor Ltd, Exchange Findings Ltd, Bloomsteins. Some bullion suppliers have minimum order levels (e.g. £25). Please ask for your requirements to be checked against this before placing an order.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
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
Teaching finishes: 3pm

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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

Terms & Conditions